By David Tepera, September 27, 2023
I’m sure each and every one of us can go through a long list of failures, but what’s on your list of comebacks? In every sport I competed in, there were many losses.
During my martial arts career, I got beat up a few times, but I used those experiences to become a better fighter. I know it’s a long time ago, but I was ranked No. 1 in Texas back in 1989. I continued fighting until the age of 42, then I just helped train other fighters.
If you haven’t already, we will all face losing someone we love. That’s typically the hardest defeat to ever encounter. It takes time to recover, but you must keep moving in order to come back and win.
Some of you know that I lost my oldest son after he served in Iraq. Each year, on Sept. 15, I put on his Army beret, embrace his urn, and let the emotions of a heartbroken father pour a sea of tears. But, this is the only day I allow myself to take a step back. After Dustin’s loss, I chose to come back and be the best father possible for my other children.
What’s your biggest loss? You might not realize it, but I’m sure you found a way to come back and win.
According to the American Psychological Association, 40-50 percent of marriages end in divorce. That’s a crazy statistic, but I’m not one to point fingers because that’s me too.
Just know, that the only winners in a divorce are the lawyers. If you can find a way to compromise, then you can save yourself a lot of money. Whatever happens, lick your wounds, be an involved parent and move on because the best is yet to come. I promise!
Life is about a series of failures and how you come back from them. You can never throw your hands in the air and give up. Yes, sometimes you need to walk away from a bad situation, but keep your head high and put on your game face.
This is your day to bust through obstacles. No one can keep you down because you have a strong will to win. Shake off the haters and leave them in your dust. Just stay focused on you and laugh off the small stuff.
It’s time to be the person you are meant to be. See the beauty you possess and all your hidden talents. This world needs good people like you, so get out there and prepare to win.