Never Say Never Again
When I was a
teenager in high school in Newark, New Jersey, I had an opportunity to go on my first big
trip in a jet! It was to the Northwest
Outward Bound School in the state of Washington. Basically a one month, all expense paid
camping trip!
About halfway through the
course, they put you out into the woods for three days on what they call a SOLO
where youre out on your own, fending for yourself as far as food, drink, and
shelter.
One of the things they give you to
help you get by for the three days is a little booklet of inspirational writings. (I would
have appreciated a tin of Vienna sausages much more!) Most of the stuff was pretty corny
but there was this one piece that had to do with positive thinking that Ive taken to
heart for all these many years.
Every once in a while I go through my scrap box and dig
out the booklet and re-read it. Unfortunately
I forget the title and the author and the scrap box is in storage somewhere so I cant
quote the piece verbatim but, it said something to the effect that, If you say you
cant, you wont. If you even think you can, you will!
Its unbelievable how many times during my
life these words have proven themselves to be true!
Theres so much we can learn or do if we can just get ourselves out of
the starting blocks and try!
And here we go
again, dice influencing! Lets examine
how many things I originally said I couldnt do:
a.) Ill never be
able to throw from anywhere but SR1.
Ha! I can now
comfortably throw from any position to the right of the stickman. My first monster roll, with one of our board
members in attendance, came from straight out on the south side of the table! One hour
long, multiple passes and dozens of numbers.
b.) I cant throw
on a fourteen-foot table.
Double Ha! Not only
can I now do it, but I can do it from the max, 14.
The first time I tried it, I threw for over twenty rolls!
c.) Ill never
master this grip, Its too hard to do.
Ha! Two weeks
later: Hey, this grip isnt that bad, I think Ill start using it!
d.) I cant get
past five rolls throwing to this target, and I cant throw to any other spot.
Double Ha and a
half! Last week at Foxwoods less than five
and out for three hands, switched the target to the diagonal corner, wham! 30 rolls with 5
passes!
Woe is the person
that stops at the word never. How many experiences has that person been cheated out of? And look at all the lost opportunities. When I
hear the word never it signals a challenge, a new door to be opened and new things to be
learned, opportunities for enrichment, advancement of skills.
If you want to be
the best you can be at this game you have to jump in and get your feet wet and that will
only happen if you never say never again!
Now let’s see, I know I’ll never be able to make $50,000 a
year playing craps…Hmmmm
Good Skill,
Mickey D.
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