Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.
— Andre Gide
I have come to realize that the longer I live, the more I learn that there’s so much more to learn, do, and see. Famed musician, Roy Ayers has a song titled “Life is Just a Moment,” in which he sings about how we need to get out there and enjoy it. I truly believe that because this wonderful experience we all share called “life” goes by so quickly, it’s a shame if we don’t experience and enjoy it to the fullest.
In this chapter, I’m going to share with you some of the great adventures I’ve enjoyed in my life, not to show off, but to encourage all of you to get out there and enjoy your lives. We live in a world that is so fast-paced and high-tech today that I think a lot of us miss out on what it’s like to have blades of grass tickle between our toes as we walk barefoot through a meadow. Or simply what it’s like to take some time for yourself—just to sit on a park bench and watch the pigeons and squirrels play about. It’s increasingly more and more challenging to get away and find time for yourself; sometimes, you just have to make a concentrated effort to do so. Create your adventures. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Adventures can be as simple as finding some “you” time and getting away from everything and everybody. Try spending a couple of hours just relaxing and breathing deeply. Try sitting in a place where you can feel the calming effects of a body of water, be it at the lakeshore, the ocean, beside a pool, or even looking at it from afar. When we grant ourselves the ability to enjoy this wonderful life, we’re all the better for it.
James Donaldson’s – Standing Above the Crowd book is now available in ebook format! You’ll find it on Amazon (just type my name into the search bar)
Of course, to order your own personally autographed copy for only $19.95, please go to www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com and James Donaldson will personally autograph your book to you.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
