Lifting Spirits

Introduction The purpose of this book is to share our knowledge as former elite level athletes, professionals in the working world, coaches, and members of the team called humanity in such a way as to help propel you to the mountain tops of your dreams. I use the word team because we are all members of the same fraternity, connected in so many fashions and ways, and I think that should be a source of comfort. All of us share the same emotions, fears, concerns, and desires. We feel happy when good things come our way, and not so much when the storms of life hit us hard. Although much of the contents included herein are our reflections on life, this work is by no means an autobiography, and should never be mistaken as such. This book is about you! Our collective goal is to pass along lessons learned and provide you with the necessary fuel to reach your highest of aspirations. We hope and pray that as you read our stories, you will get a sense of encouragement, a sense of determination, and an overall feeling that it is possible to become something that you, up until now, never dreamed of. As you make your way through the pages that detail certain aspects of our lives, our wish is that you will feel as though we are right there beside you, cheering you on! Trent and I believe in the human spirit and that everyone possesses talents unique to themselves. Your challenge is to find them, develop and cultivate them, and turn these things into a product that you will be proud of. Of course, this is a process and success to any great level won’t come easily, but we think that it is well worth the sacrifices and prices paid. In large part and when you see superstars in any area of life, you are viewing a completed product. That’s important to remember, because when you begin comparing yourself to others you often feel as though you don’t rate, as though you are inferior, and that is simply not true. You are on your own unique course and path. You are your own person, capable of so much, and that is regardless of what others do or don’t do. The chapters you are about to read will also take you on our journey, one that we hope will inspire you. As such, the book is divided into sections or parts. We have included stories from our developmental days in grade school, as athletes, and then as retired athletes now passing knowledge on to anyone willing to listen. Whether we are writing about the Olympic Training Center, the philosophy of the University of Alabama football program, weightlifting adventures in different countries, or battles on the one-yard line, we believe that our experiences can help to jumpstart you on your road to success. We genuinely want to thank you for reading our stories, and for including us on your team. We are both proud and happy to be a part of it too. Finally, we wish you the ultimate in success, health, happiness, and love. God bless and happy reading! Affirmations: 1) Today I will recognize my own potential, and pursue those things that I have a love for. 2) Today I will start a new course for my life. 3) Today I will begin to see the world in a new and exciting way.