The impact that people's words and actions can have on your life
A few weeks ago something really special happened to brighten my day. I received the most heartwarming text message from a former employee and player whom I had the pleasure of coaching. And let me tell you, it couldn't have come at a better time. It got me thinking about the impact that people's words and actions can have, including my own.
I vividly remember telling my players, customers (brides) and employees to "wear what you love." That simple mantra became my mission, as I wanted to empower young women to recognize and embrace confidence early on. So many people worry about what others think of them, but true beauty shines through confidence. As a mom of only boys, I felt a deep desire to share my feminine, motherly wisdom with the daughters I never had. That's why I dedicated so many years to coaching and became immersed in the bridal industry. I hoped to be a positive role model and a second mom to these girls, who I coached and mentored, and who knows, maybe even make it into their top five people list.
Top five person
Just today, I decided to revisit Michael Hirn's podcast that paid tribute to my friend, Coach Brian Harlamert, who tragically passed away last September. While listening, I couldn't help but reflect on the idea of a "top five person," which Michael also mentioned. It's something I've wanted to write about in my blog since September. Like many others, Brian holds a special place in my heart and is most definitely a top five person to numerous people, including me. Speaking about him on the podcast was truly an honor, and it is a beautiful tribute to one of the most caring and impactful individuals I've had the privilege of knowing.
A coach’s impact
My friends and family know how much this coach’s impact had on my early life. He, along with my high school basketball coach, Mr. Dulak, are also two of my top five people.
Coach Cass is a legend, and to make his top 10 is truly humbling. He wasn't the softest person around, and his tough coaching style intimidated many. But he was also the one who made me realize that coaches go the extra mile for those they see potential in, and inspired me to be a coach, myself. In 8th grade, I had my sights set on becoming a cheerleader, but Coach Cass had a different plan for me. I'll never forget the day he walked into the junior high gym during cheer tryouts and said, "Becky, come here. What are you doing? You're a basketball player. Let's go." We walked out together and had a discussion in his office about my role on the boys' basketball team.
Maybe he wanted me on the team because of all the donuts Emelie and I had brought him and Mr. Robidoux from Astrellas over the years, or maybe he just believed in me. My cheerleader friends had to get creative with their cheers to make them more inclusive for me, which was fun to hear. Not to mention the sleeveless jerseys we had to wear as team unis. I remember being so excited that I found a perfectly matching dark green Banana Republic tee shirt at Quincy Market. I was still trying to be stylish back then! This experience built a foundation of resilience and confidence in me.
One of my top five people, and a great friend, Sara, who inspired me to follow my creative dreams as a young mom.
Recognize your pivot people
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a leadership class at Lincolnview High School. During my presentation, I focused on relationships and pivot people—the ones who come into your life and change its direction for the better. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have recognized my pivot people, and I will always cherish their positive impact on shaping my life. As parents of teenagers, we often find that what we say to our kids tends to go in one ear and out the other. That's why we can only hope our children have and recognize their pivot people outside the home.
Here's a belief I hold dear: everything happens for a reason. It's a notion that has carried me through numerous challenging times in my life. Take, for example, when I made the bold decision to move 800 miles away from my home in Massachusetts to Ohio at the young age of 21. I started a completely new life in a place that was very different, unfamiliar, and much flatter than what I was used to. During that time, a few key pivot people supported me and helped me overcome the urge to "go back home" just a few months after my arrival. Looking back on that experience, I draw strength from it and apply it to my everyday life.
Blog song of the day
As a super music enthusiast with a wide range of tastes (except country- sorry country fans you can’t convert me) I want to end each post with a song of the day.
Remember, being the best version of yourself doesn't mean you have to be perfect. Life has its ups and downs, and that's completely normal! Along your journey, seek out those amazing people who can support you and bring out the best in you. Just keep being true to who you are, and keep inspiring others along the way! You've got this! 😊
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