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Today, I drove the speed limit. That sounds like a bizarre way to begin a sports column, but bear with me. Everything was essentially normal about today. I woke up at my normal time, drank my normal cup of coffee; two sugars, half & half...

The Greatest Season: Don't Let Inspiration Pass You By

by Michael Cline (Columnist)

44

3,511 reads

Opinion

September 23, 2008


Today, I drove the speed limit.

That sounds like a bizarre way to begin a sports column, but bear with me.

Everything was essentially normal about today. I woke up at my normal time, drank my normal cup of coffee; two sugars, half & half. Took a shower, went to work; everything was just normal. 

My shift ended at its usual time and I was heading home, as usual. But half way through the drive, I began to wonder why I was in such a hurry. I had, in fact, nowhere to be, no deadlines to meet, nor any other thing to do at home when I got there. 

So I slowed down. 

On a highway where the posted speed limit is 55, I drove 55. I’m twenty-nine years old. I’ve been driving this same highway for 13 years and I’ve never driven 55. I had to set my cruise control to insure that my foot wouldn’t disregard my brain’s notion and press the pedal with normal force. 

And the strangest thing occurred: I enjoyed it. 

Being passed by cars as if I were standing still, I turned my iPod’s volume up a notch and began to sing along with the song being played. I watched as the cars and trucks continued to go by me, and wondered what their hurry was.

Maybe they had legitimate reasons to be in such haste, but as I took in the scenery and noticed things along the highway that I’d never noticed before, as I sang a few songs, and collected my thoughts for the day, I just simply enjoyed my ride home. 

As I pulled into my drive-way, and turned my truck off, I took a deep breath and another thought occurred to me: 

What else am I missing out on? Do I slumber through every day with the same habitual movements that I’ve turned into some kind of 20th century robot controlled by my own lack of interest in this world that surrounds me? 

The answer, unfortunately, is yes. 

Just like the cars whizzing by me on the highway, my life seems to be passing me by above the speed limit. 

This isn’t the life I envisioned as a kid. I aspired to be great. 

One of the reasons that we enjoy watching sports is that we like to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And in some way, we wish we had something extraordinary to accomplish ourselves. Some way to stand out amongst the crowd; some way to be noticed in a world of the unnoticeable. 

The truth of the matter is that we all possess ability, but it is those who hone in on that ability who are able to succeed in their practice. And it inspires us. 

That’s why we never grow tired of seeing Michael Jordan highlights, why we cheered for Eli Manning in the Super Bowl, why we watch Sidney Crosby with our mouths open wide, jaws on the floor. 

Our major mistake is that we let that inspiration get left behind at the stadium, sports bar, or on our favorite rocking chair. Instead of using that inspiration to our own advantage, we leave it alone, and call it entertainment. 

I may not be the greatest at anything that will get me face time on ESPN or an interview with Bob Costas.

But I can use the abilities I have and develop them the way the athletes develop their talents and be great at being me. 

I’ve always been a fan of sports, today I know why.

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44 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Kristofer Green 9 months ago

    Great job! We should all learn to slow down and notice what we've been missing.

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  2. Michelle Alves 9 months ago

    brillant!

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  3. Thomas 9 months ago

    brilliant and simply smart. too bad I havent checked out much more of ur stuff yet. I'm doing that right now.

    5 starz and a pick....ps. 55mph is slow, :P haha

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  4. J.C. Ayvazi 9 months ago

    Quality article Michael, very well done.

    Being an fan of USC, the Rose Bowl has been a destination target for the last 4 decades or so. Having that target, roses are an item of appreciation. While on my journey through life, I have made a point of living the saying "stop and smell the roses", both literally and figuratively.

    Sometimes people tell me to hurry up, but if there are some roses along my path, I do stop and take a whiff. It's not a bad thing.

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    • Michael Cline 9 months ago

      Thanks J.C.

      Your opinion is always of value. I probably should've used that "stop and smell the roses" line. ;)

      P.S.
      Hopefully the Bucks will be smelling the roses this time around.

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  5. Miah D. 9 months ago

    great read,
    for sure, sports should not only help us relax or get away from work. there are players who are role models, and we do have to inspire ourselves from those people who actually get paid in doing what they like the most in life!

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  6. Michael Cline 9 months ago

    You're right Miah! Thanks for the great comment.

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  7. Scott Pusich 9 months ago

    Michael,

    You've just stepped out of the Matrix. Feels kinda weird at first, doesn't it? But then you realize there's a bit of rebellion in what you're doing. That can be dangerous, next thing you know you might go play sports each night instead of watching them; turn off the television during election season; and otherwise display independent thought.

    So, on that note, some advice: watch out for the authorities, they don't always look like G-men or Agent Smith.

    Just kidding!

    They do. ;-)

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  8. Daniel Muth 9 months ago

    Great article buddy.
    I know of what you speak. The vicarious thrill might just be coming too cheaply these days. If not sports, we can watch a litany of "reality shows" that show us fine automotive, design, cooking, or even gardening skills in practice, and we hood-wink ourselves into thinking that we have somehow accomplished something in our passive participation. In the mean-time, we drive back and forth to work to earn the check that allows this comfort. The more comfortable you get, the less ambitious, and the more likely your own potential will remain dormant. Five stars and a pick.
    D

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    • Michael Cline 9 months ago

      Oh you had to mention reality shows. What is America's fascination with this phenomena? Have you seen "Wipeout"? Ridiculous.

      Anyways, thanks for the comment and the pick. Much appreciated.

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  9. Mitch at sportschatplace.com 9 months ago

    5 stars. I live in the city so I walk to and from the office every day but I dothe same thing, just crank up the ipod and take it all in, my life has been a lot better since I started doing this a while back...it's a way of life..

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  10. Jon Ellsworth 9 months ago

    So you were that A-hole doing 55?!

    J/K. Good article. Life, and especially sports, are amazing when we can take in the situation and enjoy it for what it is. Not to mention put a really great soundtrack to it all.

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  11. Gray Ghost 9 months ago

    Michael, Excellent article. Very well written! You bring out something that causes us all to slow down and think. Thanks for the eloquent reminder! *****POTD

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  12. Sterling Blodgett 9 months ago

    Post of The Day, hands down. Great Article man.

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  13. SportMonk 9 months ago

    Great insight. I, personally, was NOT cheering for Eli Manning because I'm a Patriots fan (and look how well THAT panned out for me) but I agree otherwise.

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    • Michael Cline 9 months ago

      Ha! You probably felt sick when Eli sent that one down the field. But admit, you knew it was an awesome play. ;)

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    • SportMonk 9 months ago

      Ok, MAYBE. But I've hated Eli since college when Ole Miss beat Nebraska in our bowl game. So I admit it was an awesome play, but I'll never like Eli.

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  14. Joe G 9 months ago

    Michael,

    What a thoroughly enjoyable and well put-together read! ***** and POTD for me.

    I think you hit the nail on the head when you talk about why we enjoy MJ and Sid the Kid so much. Inspiration, and it's inspiration that can stay with us. JC mentions the Rose Bowl and I know exactly what he's talking about - the last time Michigan State made a Rose Bowl was when I was two years old, but I'll always stop and watch highlights of that or listen to the old marching band members with Rose Bowl patches on their jackets tell stories.

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    • Michael Cline 9 months ago

      Michigan State has been to the Rose Bowl?? j/k

      It's funny how we remember sporting events from our childhood. That's how impressional the games are.

      Thanks for the comments and the POTD.

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    • Joe G 9 months ago

      Not only has Michigan State been to the Rose Bowl in my lifetime, they've beaten USC more recently than Ohio State :)

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  15. 12 9 months ago

    Good job my friend...I know when I have stopped to "smell the roses" my life has almost always been enriched for it. 5 star article, and my POTD.

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  1. Justin Goar 9 months ago

    i would comment on this article but while reading it i was emailing my boss, making a phone call, talking to my co worker, and texting a friend at the same time.

    what was the gist of this??

    just kidding, great read and good advice.

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  2. Dan Boss 9 months ago

    Great article man, it made me step back and think about it. Last Saturday after the Ohio St game I drove the 3 hours home at the speed limit rather than the 80 mph + usual. It was kind of nice. POTD!

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    • Michael Cline 9 months ago

      Thanks Dan.

      Traffic is less bothersome when you don't let it...well...bother you. Plus going slow saves on gas.

      Thanks for the POTD, glad you liked the article.

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  3. J Wiley 9 months ago

    Traffic in the 'Bama backfield, thats's what I want to see. Traffic among their receivers, that's what I want to see. UGA D-line, UGA linebackers, safeties, cornerbacks - leave your calling card. Back in Black (Aerosmith?). Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix). Ain't That A Cold Shot From Rennie Curran (JR Vaughan). Gimme Shelter from Danell Ellerbee (Keith Richards, edited). I Can't Get No Passes Completed (M Jagger, edited, he's an athlete, he'll understand). We Will Rock You. Go on back to Sweet Home Alabama. Start Me Up - in black.

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  4. M. Black 9 months ago

    what a fantastic article! great job.

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  5. Kristin Hamlin 9 months ago

    Michael-- Great article--really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing :)

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  6. Peter R 9 months ago

    Thanks for the inspiration. It is a great reminder to slow down, and stop occasionally to smell the Roses.

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  7. J. Michael Morris 9 months ago

    Well done...change your perspective and change everything.

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  8. Michael Cline 9 months ago

    Well said. Thanks for the comment.

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