As a former high school coach through the 1990s, I had a few elite players whose athletic ability made a difference on the outcome of each game. Of course, there were instances that sidelined them until the athletic trainer or I allowed them to return to the game.

They were like a locked up bull breaking out of a cage. These players went full speed — taking no prisoners. Their passion to win was overwhelming which spilled over onto teammates.

Notice, I didn’t reference any particular sport because I witnessed this passion in multiple sports, which included young men and women. If you’ve been reading my column long enough, you’d remember my story of three girls making my boys JV soccer team and were starters.

Now, this attitude of “put me in, coach” is in all of us. We all have passion brewing inside of us to accomplish specific goals. When you really want something bad enough, it takes over your total mental being. You’re like that caged bull ready to succeed with every ounce of energy and each inch of your body. Nothing can stop you because you’re on a mission to win a championship.

When’s the last time you went to work and were hyped to tackle every project or work order? Do you ever surprise your family on the weekend, have the car packed and ready to create lasting memories at the beach?

How about a candlelight dinner ready for wifey or hubby? You’ve made their special meal, along with a personalized card letting them know how much you appreciate their love and support. You might get to take that candle to the bedroom. Wink-wink!

Now, let today take over your creative mind and passionately pursue your day with a “put me in, coach” attitude. I promise, your life will be meaningful, plus impact those around you.

Even recently, you were probably involved in other uplifting experiences, but now they’ve come to an end. You might be a little disappointed and depressed because you didn’t really take in the moment while it was happening. It never crossed your mind that all good things really do come to an end.

Over the past several years, I’ve been attending quite a few funerals celebrating people’s lives. It’s common that everyone closest to the deceased wished they’d spent more time with them.

We all do get caught up in routines with our busy lives. Most days are filled with work and weekends loaded with kid activities.

I know it’s hard to think about it, but sometimes we must recognize that we will lose people close to us. You’ve been putting off spending time with grandparents, parents and other relatives.

Believe me, I completely understand. I’ve been a single parent for more than 12 years and venturing out of our routine has been most challenging. I don’t visit others as frequently as I should. I recognize the disappointment within myself for not taking a step back from my schedule to spend time with people who unconditionally love me.

Sorry, I’m really not trying to be a downer today, but just hoping to make you slow down and go love and hug those people who miss you.

I’m sure most of us have already experienced losing someone we’d like to just sit and talk, laugh and cry, eat a meal, have a drink and just enjoy the moment with again.

So, maybe today, you can take a step back and reach out to those special people while you can. I guarantee a new memory will be made that’ll be cherished forever.

Remember, you once loved the game and now it’s over, but it’s not too late to reach out and love your family. Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call.

I was recently in a debated discussion with someone who only could see this world in black and white. They’ve somehow let others dictate their emotions, and you’re either on their side or perceived as the enemy.

Even though we disagreed, I pointed out the beauty and passion this person possessed. I only suggested, “if you could use that same passion towards beauty and color, your life will explode in goodness.”

Let me ask you, “how do you see life?” Do you only see black and white, good or evil, or do you recognize color and beauty each of us hold?

How do you treat people? Is it with hatred and negativity or with kindness and love?

I’ve had multiple conversations with people in power positions who are having difficulty with their employees. My first question about their leadership is, “do you put your workers down or lift them up?”

There’s not one person on this planet who doesn’t enjoy the words of encouragement, especially coming from someone special.

How do you respond to your children? Are you caught up only yelling at them for wrong decisions, or do you give praise for all the good deeds?

Remember the classic movie Wizard of Oz? The movie starts off in black and white because the characters are living in gloom and despair on a poor farm, plus a storm is brewing.

But, as soon as Dorothy and Toto land on Oz, brilliant colors are displayed. Do you remember the joyous feeling that came over you as all the explosion of vivacious colors rush into your eyesight? It’s at this moment you followed the yellow brick road with Dorothy and became one of the characters.

Now, why don’t we all see the beauty each of us possess? When’s the last time you shook hands with a total stranger and gave them a compliment?

It’s time we all throw away black and white to enjoy the beautiful colors that surround us. We need it. Don’t you agree?

As I’ve just written, star athletes get all the attention, and they should. I’m not taking away from their efforts. But, in most cases, there are other players on the team that conquered bigger battles just to be in the game.

I know obese kids who lost a significant amount of weight because they loved football. I know of a family who lost a son in a tragedy, but his brother and sister finished the season in his honor.

We recently had major destruction from the flooding of Hurricane Harvey, and Dickinson High School sports are thriving. Of course, so many other county schools were affected, as well, but Dickinson was hit the hardest. I’m sure many of their athletes are living in uncomfortable conditions.

Now, I’m not just referring to sports. What about in the classroom? Who could possibly be an unknown winner for academics?

My 19-year-old son Dylan has been a talented athlete his whole life, including impeccable grades throughout school. But, the biggest winner in our family is my 17-year-old daughter Daylyn.

Daylyn was diagnosed with extreme dyslexia in second grade. I had her repeat a grade due to the severity. Just know, she gave me permission to write about her struggles.

Here’s my point. Daylyn studies twice as long as most students, battles through all her classes, and had a season-ending knee surgery this past summer, including so much more.

For Daylyn, she doesn’t get grounded for making subpar grades, we celebrate any number that reflects passing. Our family knows her struggles and frustrations because life doesn’t come easy for her.

One day she came home very disappointed and embarrassed with herself due to a 42 grade on a major text. I looked at her, gave her a high five and said, “at least it wasn’t a 41.” We laughed and went for ice cream.

I’m only giving my experiences of the unknown winner. I’m sure all of you have personal stories and life experiences, too. Take the time today and reach out to the unknown winner in your family. Let them know how proud you are of their efforts, and go celebrate like the game winning shot.

Other mastermind coaches are five-time Super Bowl winning Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. He is known for out-coaching opponents by coming back and ripping their hearts out. Head basketball coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs holds the same record in the NBA. Plus, both these amazing coaches are currently leading their teams to another season. Obviously, these men are hall of famers who are masterminds at problem solving.

Now, don’t we all have difficulty and problems in every category of our lives? Do you dwell on challenging situations, or try to strategize a positive solution?

Take a deep look into your life. Are you a problem solver or a problem maker? I understand, I’ve just asked a personal question that no one wants to answer. We all want to play the blame game for reasons why we’ve become stuck in a rut.

I want you to realize that our minds are powerful when it comes to strategizing and problem solving. It just takes releasing all negative thoughts and dive deep into concentration with a positive mindset. This will allow your mind to accept new ideas and become creative.

I know I’m getting a little deep today, but we all eventually hit a roadblock in life and there must be a better way out.

Have you ever sat around with a group of friends, business partners or spouses to strategize a solution to a particular problem? Once someone begins the conversation, then mental creativity occurs, and everyone has ideas.

Many of today’s and most of tomorrow’s inventions will be created through this process.

Maybe today is the opportunity to truly expand your mind and resolve your most difficult problems.

I know many people who are facing health crises for a variety of reasons. Some more severe than others. Typically, an immediate strategy is crucial, and requires input from doctors, therapists, family and spouses. As long as you have a plan in place, and surrounded by encouragement and love, you’ll conquer the crises and live a prosperous life.

No matter what you’re facing today, take a deep breath and focus on positive solutions and kick stinking-thinking to the curb. This will fast track you back on path, plus life will soar to new heights.

I’ve always viewed sports as my escape from the daily grind of reality. It’s really a big downer when controversy is brought into sports. I feel we have enough negativity in our daily lives, and I’d rather be in my “happy place.”

With my father being a football defensive coordinator my entire childhood, I was brought up in a very strong athletic environment. And, being a single parent for more than 12 years, my children were brought up the same way. Athletics and sports is one component that bonded me with my children.

As you know from reading my column over the past many years, my children were talented athletes. Even to this day, my 19-year-old son Dylan and I compete in physique contests several times a year.

There are many families where sports are an intricate part of raising children. But not only that, how many friendships are made with other parents during sport seasons?

Typically, after each game, families gather to celebrate the day’s events. It didn’t matter if the kids won or lost, it was about having a good time and escaping from responsibilities of daily pressure.

Back when my kids were in elementary school, playing three different sports a year, my house was that house everyone gathered. I created a huge playground in my backyard for all the kids to enjoy and create wonderful memories together. That bond stayed with them throughout high school.

You can say the same for all the parents. Everyone would bring coolers and food, and we would sit outside laughing and making fun of each other.

Now, I drive by the parks and see all the little kids running around with new sets of parents creating friendships. I truly miss those days.

For those of you where this is now your world, embrace every moment. Don’t let the running around trying to get your kids to practice be a burden because it will eventually end and you’ll be sad.

So, as all the new seasons begin, make sports your happy place, and teach your kids the same. Not all kids have athletic talent, so make sure to keep it fun for them.

Remember, it’s only a game, and this will be there most treasured childhood memories.