A Plan

Recently we all discussed plans for the upcoming year and as I thought about what sorts of community plans I would like to implement I thought about the structure of a plan in comparison to life. Back in February on Community Corner, on a ride to Angus Ontario, Jason Shivers and I discussed how life is like making a business plan. We all have Goals, Key Objectives and throughout life we take on a variety of tactics to accomplish these goals or objectives. However,the question I wonder is why is it that we arent viewed as successful when we may fall just short of our goals or objectives.

After a pep rally at one of the Level the Playing Field schools, Thistletown Collegiate, I had the pleasure of driving both Cory Boyd and Anthony Aldridge home from the school. We talked about a young person we ran into at the school that was dejected and not so successful at school. He was viewed unsuccessful because expectations were not met. Cory explained that sometimes when we fall short of a goal, because the goal isnt easily reached because of higher expectations we deterimine our plan to be more of a failure than success. However, to get to that goal we have had a journey, to which we have experineced things that we may not have experienced without trying for a goal new experiences should be viewed as a success. If we learn to appreciate the journey more than the destination then we will likely live our lives with very few regrets.

I actually took note of that and undestood that everyday is an adventure. Whether or not I accomplish a task or not, I will learn to appreciate the things we take for granted the most, the road to the goal.

Next blog I will chat about a humbling experience that made the sport of football seem so miniscule to the game of life.

Off to Camp

To those who read my last Blog, Thank you. Don't be afraid to comment on some of the things you read. I like to hear what you think. You will recall that instead of making the trip to Moncton with a majority of the team, myself and members of the Community team made our way to Parry Sound, specifically for the Tim Hortons Camp. The drive up with stops and all took about 8 hours but was enjoyable nonetheless.

Once we arrived we were greeted by the a few of the lead camp personnel, who on a first impression, were quite enthusiastic. We discussed the routine for the weekend and my thought was that for three high school football teams from Scarborough, Rexdale and Wilson heights area we were in for a ride for sure. Just speaking with the coaches on the buses telling us how restless they were made me think that this would be very hard to keep them entertained and well behaved. Even after the first team arrived I knew that I had to talk rules but in a motivational way or we could lose them for the weekend.

As the weekend went on with team building activities, we experienced the odd inner team scuffle but followed by team applause and the odd player coming to a revelation that he or she is lucky to have the opportunity to not only play football but to do it with an assortment of school mates. This was such a new experience for some that when served breakfast made up of sausages and scrambled eggs, they referred to it as a "rich person's" food.

The weekend was capped off with the Argos game on TV, however ending in dissappointment was still just a small part of the bigger picture. That picture was that of the Argonauts and Tim Hortons bringing football and more than just the sport to three schools who's players will have memories that last a lifetime.

My next Blog I will chat about something that Ive been through a number of times but this time it feels different. Our Company plan.

Thanks for reading