The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart, this you will build your life by, and this you will become. - Anonymous

Its always an adventure… but a great one!! After a few delays I arrived in Sweden Wednesday night.  I had my first job with TikiTaka on Friday.  I met Borje and Tony Gustavsson; my bosses, at Tyreso's stadium; Tyresovallen. We met early and talked for a while.  We spoke about the plans for TikiTaka, what it is al about.  Tony was saying that we are educating quality coaches and developing players. Everything is quality!! They said that our main focus is on helping players, clubs and coaches achieve their dreams and reach their full, true potential. The conversation was getting my blood pumping! We have exactly the same views and same amount of passion; it is almost scary! 

Friday Tony had a 90-90 session with the coaches of Tyreso.  I introduced myself and met every individual coach. Tony gave a presentation to the coaches on the TikiTaka philosophy for 90 minutes. They we went to the field and he put the coaches through a 90 minute training session. It is extremely important that the coaches  actually experience what they will be coaching.  It was incredible and an amazing first day.

Afterwards, Tony and Borje said that on Saturday I would be in charge. I would have over 100 players, 20 coaches and one field! They said that the goal of this  clinic was for me to put the coaches through "TikiTaka" exercises and then give them the opportunity to coach.  I would be the one to guide them. 

The first thought in my head was, WOW! My first day I will be out of my comfort zone!   I work best when I am not in my comfort zone! I will be in charge of one of the best clubs in Sweden!!  Am I dreaming?  Lets do this!

I arrived to Tyreso pretty early on Saturday.  I gathered the coaches and had a meeting before the clinic. I showed them how I wanted the field to be organized and how the session was going to be run. I split the field up into four parts and I had a "demo" group in the middle. I was going to take the kids through a technical warm up, the kids would get a water break, I would demonstrate 3-4 drills and then they would find their coaches and the coaches would put their teams through the exercises. 

Before we went onto the field, I could tell the coaches were looking at me like "who is this girl?" I love the challenge and it is always fun to "shock" people. In our coaches meeting I told them that, what I am giving them is an outline but each exercise can be tweaked. It can be easier, more challenging or cater to a particular topic.  

We hit the field! I introduced myself to the players and the warm up began! The coaches were standing around and within minutes I looked up and saw them all frantically taking notes and some were even taking videos of me with their phones! The warm up was fun; the players were laughing and having a great time! I sent them for a water break told the coaches where I wanted them to stand with their teams to watch the demo. Then it began! I put one group though 3 drills quickly and then all the players went to their space on the field. 

I went around to each group and asked questions on what factors they could change to make it more challenging or a little easier. I asked them questions like "What factor can we change to focus on changing speed and direction quicker?" I asked every group different questions and some groups were already tweaking the drills on their own. The outline I created was perfect because you can make 20-30 different variations off of just 3 drills!! I brought them back into the demo group a few more times and continued to oversee the groups and of course we ended with playing! There is nothing better than playing the game itself.  The game is the best teacher!  

After the session was over every coach came up to me and shook my hand and said they felt inspired and had a really great time! They were impressed with the field set up and how it did not feel like there were 100 kids on one field.. there was still space left over!! They were all looking at me in a different way from when they had first met me. I have "won the hearts of the mob" 

There were a few players on the Tyreso Junior team that were in the session as coaches and they asked it they could join and watch me when I coach the players.  Tony and Borje asked me later if I would mentor them as well! I was honored! It will be great to have more player coaches!! I started coaching when I was their age and I am extremely lucky with the mentors and role models I have; it was nothing but the best!!  Now it is my turn to pass it on! 

I was on the bus back and I got a call from Borje. He was extremely happy and told me that the director of Tyreso called him and said that I brought happiness to the whole club… That meant so much and I felt like I was high, I was so happy; I couldn't sit still.

I called Tony shortly after and told him everything. I told him that the night before I went though my session so many times in my head; that I had a vision and today my vision came to life, but reality turned out to be better than I imagined! Tony said, he understood exactly what I was feeling and told me that he loves it because if he can inspire 10 coaches and those coaches use his vision then he has reached out to over 200 players!!!! I never thought of it like that and it just added to my excitement.  I never thought I would like "coaching, coaches" so much! 

I could not ask for a better start!  How could it get better? but then it did! I went and met my Swedish some of my best friends and celebrated the day with a great dinner and great people! 

While I am in Stockholm I am staying with my friend, Therese's parents! They are all the best and I am so happy to be staying with them! 

On Sunday I took the train to Borlange and I met my new team for the first time. We met at a ski resort. It was a team bonding event! Everyone seems so nice and I have a great feeling about the season!

I had my first physical training with my team last night! It was great and I will update you more about my adventure so far in Borlange and about my new team; Gustafs GoIF!

I will be very busy to say the least; playing, coaching, living in two different cities.. I love it! It is definitely my style  and I extremely grateful for these new and upcoming opportunities both as a player and as a coach. 

Extra!!

I have been making videos for TikiTaka and here is the video I have posted on my Facebook, twitter, etc It is technical work that I have learned from coaches in the past and also drills I created on my own! Enjoy!

"I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today." William Allen White

One weekend, Tony invited me out to the Advanced national Goalkeeper course to get some training. The coaches were in their final phase of the course; field testing and evaluation.   A few others and I served as players during numerous coaching sessions.   It was great! I went out to Ft. Lauderdale for the weekend and received two full days of complete soccer!

I had lunch with Tony and a few younger players.  One player was asking him about some of his experiences with the women's national team and he told them one off my favorite stories.. He talked about Brandi Chastain's penalty kick of the 1999 women's world cup final; a legendary shot that sent "ripples around the world!" 

The 1999 Women's world cup final was one of the most incredible games ever to be played! Over 90,000 people at the stadium and it was the most viewed women's sporting in history. The game was dramatic; with Michelle Akers getting punched trying to clear a ball off a header, Kristine Lilly saving it off the goal line, two overtimes.. Then to Penalty kicks.. Carla Overbeck, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, and Mia Hamm all beat Chinese goalkeeper Gao Hong while Brianna Scurry made an incredible save. 

 It was now Brandi's turn.. Early that year, the US faced China and lost in PK's. Brandi Chastain missed the PK..  

Tony says that Brandi wanted the PK! Penalty kicks are about confidence, not necessarily about skill. Brandi wanted it, but he said she was very predictable with her right foot. Tony told her that he would only let her take the PK if she took it with her left foot!!! She agreed.

  Brandi lined up as the fifth shooter and with her left foot she made history and sent the ball past Gao Hong and into the back of the net!  She dropped to her knees and whipped her jersey off in celebration as the whole US team raced onto the field in celebration!  It was an epic legendary game!

I still am in awe every time I hear this story. I am truly amazed that Brandi Chastian switched her PK to her left foot in one of the most crucial moments of the World Cup final!  I still can't get over it! We need more of this; passion, excitement, willingness to do whatever it takes..

While I was hearing Tony tell this amazing legend. I was thinking about some of my past experiences.  I had been a camper at Soccerplus for 4 years and I played for Tony at the club.  In my sophomore year I was at the summer camp getting ready for pressure training. Pressure training is basically different obstacles, challenges, and fitness with the ball. We had to be in groups of 4 and I had a great group! I was so happy that everyone I was with was a good player and I knew they would push me. 

Tony  came up to me and took me out of my group and put me in a group of three.. I was a little mad because I did not understand why he took me out and now I was in a group with an odd number.. But then, Tony walks up with Brandi Chastain herself, and said,"This will be your partner for today.." I thought my heart was going to stop and I think the other two girl's in my group heart did stop.  Me, Jackie Bachteler was about to do pressure training with Brandi Chastain.. Bring it on! 

                   

 


The first station was a rest station and it was juggling. I looked at her and told her I could beat her in this. Brandi looked at me in surprise but accepted the challenge. I won.. She is extremely competitive and almost looked mad. She did not like to lose; neither do I! Every station we were battling.  I felt like I was playing in the World Cup final. I was keeping up with her and at the end of the very last station I could not go anymore; I have given everything I had.   

That day I do not think I could have been anymore on a natural high! I got to train first hand with one of the greats and seeing it I knew even more how much work it was going to take to reach my dream. I saw it so vividly; I knew after that day that my dreams were more than possible. It did not matter what anyone said, I knew that my dreams are more than possible!

I had the privilege of playing with Brandi a few times. My club team demonstrated with her at the Champions clinic at Moeghan Sun and I saw her when I spent a week in Santa Clara.

Suddenly I snapped out off my day dream and I was back at the table with Tony and the other players.  The course ended and I left feeling even more motivated to train, play and be the best I can be; to be the go-to player. 

It has been an interesting few months to say the least but like always everything always works out.  I have a lot of really neat new opportunities. I have partnered with Led2Serve. I will be helping them start a soccer academy in Costa Rica and give back to different communities though this beautiful game.  It is an extremely exciting opportunity and I will be writing more about it very soon.  For a sneak peak please checkout the site and let me know if you want to take this journey with me and my Led2play team!  http://www.led2serve.org/journeys/journey-calendar/eventdetail/54/-/service-learning-led2play-soccer

  I got offered a job to work for Tiki Taka. Tiki Taka is a soccer company that teaches teams, individuals, clubs etc. the Barcelona style of play! (Right up my ally) My work with Tiki Taka begins next Friday and Saturday! They also have me in charge of player development on the girls side for Tyresö FF. Tyresö's top team won Damallsvenskan last year and it is where Marta is currently playing. I am overly ecstatic and extremely excited for this new opportunity. 

 

Lastly, I signed to play for Gustafs GoIF in Borlange. It is a new step and I am extremely excited to join the team and the club this season.  I get to continue my dream of playing abroad. I have found my American dream in Sweden.

To say the least I have been very busy! I have a lot to say about Led2Serve, TikiTaka and Gustafs. I will be on here a lot more!

Yesterday I had to go to my hometown post office to pick up a package. When I walked in the clerk saw my name and said,"I know you. I think you where in my son's class." I did not know her son but we were the same age when I asked.  All of the sudden she froze and said," I know why you don't remember.. I was a teacher aid when you were in fourth and fifth grade, you were sick and rarely every there." Her son went to a different school in town after the sixth grade.  I told her that I am healthy, feel strong and I told her a little bit of what I am doing now. She said she could not believe it. I could not believe that the last memory this lady had of me is when it all started.. and now I have conquered it.  I am completely different! 

Yesterday morning I became a little nervous, with some doubt and fears. After my encounter in the post office I thought what do I have to lose? I have nothing to fear! Sometimes I feel a little crazy at first with the choices I have made but they have always seemed to be the right and the best ones. I have had some an incredible experiences, have met some of the most amazing people, have gained some incredible friendships, done what I loved everyday, lived..  I am still here and I will continue to follow my gut, my heart and take on any chance and opportunity that awaits! 

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also DREAM not only plan, but also BELIEVE"

In college besides playing and going to school I had eight different kids I would train individually, I was also the head coach of the Lake Wales Soccer club U17 girls and the assistant to the U14 girls.  I absolutely loved it! I learned, created and experimented with many different ideas.   These experiences not only contributed to my development as a coach and as a player it also helped me pay all of my everyday bills throughout college.  I am very grateful!

I became close to most of the kids; it was sad to leave when I graduated but I have kept in touch with a few of them.  Every time I am back in Florida I contact my old players and we end up training together. 

When I got back from Sweden I basically went straight to Florida. I have been living in Lakeland and have been coaching my old kids for the past few months. It has been phenomenal!! Every player I have trained in the past has continued to invest in their development and has improved.  It is nice to see how they have grown (and now most of them are taller than me...)

One player that always sticks out to me is Daniel. Daniel is one of the players I have trained individually since my freshman year in college. He was the first player I picked up in Florida; after I started training him I got multiple calls from many different players asking for training. Daniel is technically one of the best players I have ever coached. He is like a sponge and absorbs everything I through at him. I have been training him again these past few months and I have been so impressed. He has some great opportunities ahead and he will be extremely successful! He is a very special player. When I look at Daniel I see myself. He is just as much of a soccer junkie as I am. 

Below is a short video of Daniels individual session! Enjoy!

"dansa pausa.."

No matter what language you speak or what country you come from there are two things that always seem to bring people together... Soccer and Music.  There are many different rhythms in the game of soccer. It is a dance, a wonderful dance. It is contagious.  As a player I have learned many different ways to "dance" from many different coaches.  I took bits and pieces from every coach and created my own routine.  

This past year in Gavle I took my routine and I tested it out on my youth team.  It was a success and it began to spread.  I shared my dance with the ball with my own team, three schools in Gavle and with my soccer camps. 

This type of training combines my two passions; soccer and music.  It is intense fun and you will get over 1000 touches on the ball within an hour. 

Now that I am in Florida I am coaching the same kids that I had in college.  I look forward to training with them everyday. It is great because coaching allows me to get even more touches on the ball and it has also helped me improve as a player.

I have had a few of them for a few years now and it is always amazing coming back to see them.  Every one of my players has grown, and improved. We all share the same passion and excitement for the game!  I am proud to say that each of them has invested in their development and they all have a bright future ahead.

This video is a small clip of what I do as a coach and as a player.  Here is one of my training sessions in Florida.  Three of girls in the video are currently playing at Florida Southern; they joined the session with my kids. It was great for my kids to see them work just as hard as they were! 

 This session is something special.. No matter how old you are or what level you play at, you can always use technical work, go back to the basics and learn something new. Have fun and enjoy the great dance!!

"When loved ones come home, always run to greet them..."

This Christmas we were telling stories and reminiscing on our old dogs DJ and Buddy.  They both were funny, smart and became members of the family.  I miss them. My Nana shared a story with me that I thought was worth sharing.  It is a small lesson from a 6 year old and a dog.

Below are pictures of some of my favorite people and their family members. Enjoy!

Dog's Purpose: from a 6-year-old.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish  
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their  
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping  
for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to  
perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be  
good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure as they felt that  
Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family  
surrounded him.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I  
wondered if he understood what was going on.  Within a few minutes,  
Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any  
difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about  
the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him.

What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more  
comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life  
-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The Six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so  
they don't have to stay as long."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
· Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
· Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure  
Ecstasy;
· Take naps;
· Stretch before rising;
· Run, romp, and play daily;
· Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
· On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
· On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
· When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
· Be loyal;
· Never pretend to be something you're not;
· If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
· When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle  
them gently;

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and  
people who create it.

You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad,  
and focus on the good, so, love the people who treat you right.

Think good thoughts for the ones who don't ~ life is too short to be  
anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE...
Getting back up is LIVING...

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?....I played my drum for Him Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum I played my best for Him Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum.... Me and My Drum"

This past month has been a major change of scenery for me. Coaching has been amazing; it helped me survive college and is a major reason I have a roof over my head and food on the table.  More on my coaching experiences soon!  Besides coaching I have taken on seasonal jobs at publix; the local grocery store and Toys R Us.  

At publix I was a bagger.  One of the major job descriptions of a bagger included offering help to each customer; walking the cart to the parking lot and loading the groceries into their cars. I have met so many different kinds of people; rude, selfish, etc. 

 I had one customer tell me my bagging technique was not correct.. I re-bagged.  She looked at her purchases again and said, "I liked the way you did it the first time. Do it again."  I did it and then with out giving me anytime to offer my services out to the parking lot she looked at me and said, "Take me to my car!" While we were walking outside I figured I would try and start some small talk with her; maybe she was having a bad day and was just taking it out on the bagger. I started out by saying the weather was beautiful.  This lady turned around raised her eye-brows, looked at me, and then looked forward.  She was making it known that I was not worthy of even holding a conversation with her.  I unloaded the groceries (maybe smashing the bread and eggs while she wasn't looking… Just kidding) and then I went back inside. 

Why did this lady think she could treat me like this? Now my simple seasonal job became a social experiment. I do not know who this lady is and she does not know who I am. All I know is that you never know who you could be talking to. People may think I am crazy; you are a soccer player, you play professionally. You are a soccer coach. Why are you doing this?  I have never done anything like this before and I wanted to try and see through the eye's of a "normal" working person. 

This example is my most extreme example but besides the rude and selfish I have come across, I have also met some pretty amazing individuals.  One day I was taking a really old lady out to her car.  She asked about my story.  I told her what I was doing.  She then informed me that she was 95 years old!!!! This lady was walking, talking, healthy and even driving.  She told me story after story; while I shared some of my experiences.  I was out in the parking lot with her for an hour and a half!!  I could not leave her. I was learning so much and the conversation was amazing.  She gave me her mailing address and her e-mail.  Right before she left she said,"I hope I didn't get you in trouble for staying out her for so long." I said,"If I do get in trouble, it was completely worth and I do not regret anything!" She smiled and drove away. A 95 year old lady that was still kicking.

Black Friday came.. I worked at Toys R Us Thanksgiving night from 7pm-5am  Black Friday morning.  I then worked at Publix from 10am-3pm and I went back to Toys R Us and worked again that same day from 5pm-11:30. I was a zombie by 11:30.  I like to push myself but I can say that I went to far on black Friday.  "only ones that are willing to go to far are the only ones that can possibly know how far one can go." I figured out how far I can go.

I had some rest and then I went back to Publix.  I took another really interesting old lady out to her car.  She was a regular and started asking me questions about myself. I did not tell or much or anything about soccer but she looked me square in the eye and said,"don't work to much.. Enjoy life now! Don't wait!" She told me to do what I love. I told her "I am very lucky because I do, do what I love." She then said, "Always go for it." 

I do not know how this conversation came about but it really hit me.  Between, Publix, Toys R Us and all of my coaching I was working a little to much.  I have opportunities that could be right around the corner and I need to be ready. I need to train.  I talked with my parents and some of my mentors about my thoughts and they all agreed with me.  I talked with Publix and I told them that I am very sorry but I have to quit. It was tough because I never quit anything.  

I said that Publix is a great company; they give incredible job security.  I wanted to try a job with security but I need to focus on my passion.  Soccer does not give me any job security but I am willing to take that risk.  Working at Publix, I realized even more what I am meant to be doing; I can't waste any time..  Like the old  lady said,"go for it" I will always go for i!  Publix wished me good luck and understood. I want to thank them for the opportunity and providing me with some work. 

I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders after I quit and shortly after I got a few more clients for my one on one coaching. It was like it was almost meant to be.  

Besides coaching I  am continuing to work at Toys R Us for the Holiday Season.  The hours are perfect and I am able to focus on what matters most. I really like it at Toys R Us. The people that work there are real! I have fun in electronics and I have met some awesome people cashiering.  

Again, I do get many selfish people.  I can't tell you how many times customers come through my line with over $300 worth of merchandise and they complain about saving $1 on a coupon.  I had one couple get mad that we could not combine two promotions so they taped two sales stickers on my counter and started taking pictures.. I asked what they were doing and they said that they were going to basically bad mouth the"promotion" on their Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. (These people were at least in their 30's) They still bought everything as well.. I don't get it; all this anger over a few dollars… It makes me sad to see this. To me, if you can spend all this on materialistic items; life must be pretty good; why are you so mad? 

 Then again I have also met some incredible people.  I had one man come through my line with a whole cart full of FAO Schwarz stuffed animals.  The grand total was over $300.  I told him I loved these stuffed animals and he was going to make someone really happy. He said was an old war veteran, his son was in Afghanistan and he was going to mail all these stuffed animals to his whole unit for Christmas. He said he has mailed something overseas every year.  We talked for a little while; I told him about my brother; he is in the national guard and I am really proud of him. The conversation did not last more than five minutes but I felt like we had known each other for years. When I handed him the receipt; he reached out and shook my hand. I felt like he was some sort of angel. 

I have had kids come through my line giving me everything they had, emptying their wallets just to buy their bother or sister a present.  One kid did not have enough.. I paid the difference.. So many people also put Toys on layaway. Layaway is awesome! Hard working people have an opportunity to save up and pay off gifts for their loved ones.  I wish I had a lot of money because I want to pay off certain customer's layaway.  A customer picked up her order today and she was just so happy to pay off the amount; she is able to give her loved ones what they wanted.

Love. Doing something for someone else just because. Giving to someone else; Being able to buy a gift just to try and show your family and friends in just a small way how much you care, how special they are and that you love them. Happiness.. It's not about the gift. 

To say the least, I have had so many interesting experiences since I have been back. Now, a new curve ball has been thrown at me I do not know what my future awaits. Hopefully I will have news soon but I will keep "going for it" and I won't give up!

Don't you worry, don't you worry child See heaven's got a plan for you Don't you worry, don't you worry now

Jobba Jobba Jobba!! Work Work Work!!  This off season I wanted to try out a few seasonal jobs.  I have always worked with soccer and I could not be happier but, this offseason I decided to continue coaching as well as take up some new and very different challenges.

 I coach at least four nights a week, I work part-time at Toys R Us, I work part time at Publix and I am an on call banquet server! On top of that I am training every morning and spending as much time with the ball as I can. 


I have completed the orientations for both Publix and Toys R US. During the training of all these companies I have met all sorts of people, and learned many different ways to run a business. It has been extremely interesting and is becoming a very neat experiment. 

 How do they treat their employee's? What is their business plan? How do they reach their goals? Can I incorporate it into what I want to do in the future? Will I be able to use anything I learn and apply it to my dream of one day opening up my own soccer club? How do people act on a job? Do they love their jobs? Do they want to be the best at what they do? Are they just going through the motions? Why are they there?

During the first Publix orientation the man talking to us gave us an incredible historical insight of what the company is all about.  He spoke with so much passion; you could just see that he really loved what he was doing.  He loves and talks about Publix like I talk about soccer.  It was amazing and refreshing to see someone with such enthusiasm. It was contagious. 

Another manager teaching the class talked about theft and how it makes her so mad when people steal because she works hard for her job and that is her well earned money.  She went on to say that "she doesn't want to be there but, she has to because she needs the money to survive. " This lady seemed to enjoy what she was doing but not really love it. I could tell she has another passion; maybe it is her family. I don't know but right then I relized how lucky I was. I show up every single day to my job in Sweden, not just because I have to but, because I want to.  I am so lucky because number one I have a job and number two I absoutly love what I am doing. I would not want to live life any other way. 

This manager went on saying that this company is great because of the job security it offers.  If you have a job at Publix you do not have to fear getting laid off or the company shutting down even though the U.S. is facing a horrible financial crisis. I dazed of at this point and thought about the word "fear."  My mind brought me back to this past season when our sports psychologist asked me and my team to list our fears. My teammates all answered with different versions of fearing failure; missing a PK, missing a free kick, etc. Not one of the fears stated has ever even entered my brain. There was not one thing said that I was afraid of. The first thing I thought of were things of my past; things nothing to do with soccer. Soccer is my place where I can forget all the horrors. When I play I want to bring about hope; hope in something more, hope in that the people watching will be happy and forget all the horrible things that happen every day, even if it is just for a second. With my job, unlike publix, there is always a since of uncertainty. How are teams financially? Will they be able to afford foreigners? What are the fates of different leagues and teams around the world? It is always a little scary when you do not know exactly what awaits you.  Fears, yes I have fears but I am willing to take the risk and face them.  What do I have to lose? nothing. 

I know that jobs at first may not be as glamours as you have dreamed but you have to start somewhere. One of my best friends told me you can't always start at the top but rather start at the bottem and work your way up. She said, "you can not be the CEO right away." This statement really hit me and it helped me make some very big decisions. 

It also made me think of my first job. My club soccerplus offered me a job my junior year in high school. I would go there everyday after school, work and then train. I was just the assistant. I would clean the office, file, set up field, fill water jugs and do whatever they needed me to do.  I was the lowest on the totem poll but I did the best I could every single day and I loved it! The people I was around were great and I looked forward to coming into work everyday.  I moved up and became a staff coach during the summers. I have done and seen almost every single step it takes to run a club properly. I know what the "little" guy has to do, I am a player and I know what the big bosses have to do.  I have done almost everything. Then this past year I started and became  the director of the first camp at IFK Gavle. The experience I had at soccerplus helped me run everything properly and smoothly. I learned from the best! One day when I run my own business I will know the importance of each role because I have done everything. Every role has a purpose. I think no matter what you are doing, you should try and be the best at what you do! Wether I am cleaning toilets at my old club or starting the first soccer camp in Gavle Sweden I want to be the best.  

I have this dream, this vision.  I know I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. My job is my passion; I am a soccer player. But now my question is what do people do that do not have the same passion for something? What do they do when they are not excited to wake up every morning? What to they do?! What do they live for? A lot of people say that they work because they have to.. They need the money for rent, food, survival.. In this past week alone I noticed a handful of people that  just go through the motions; they are not doing this because they want to or because they love it. It seems like a vicious cycle that anyone can easily fall in to; to live you need money, to get money you need a job, you need a job so you can live, but If you are miserable at work and then come home and are still miserable; to me you are not really living. There needs to be a change; a chance to be taken.  

When are you the happiest? I found some people simply like interacting with others; some people live for another. It would not matter what they were doing in the world as long as they were able to be with that person or their family. There is no better feeling then knowing you have something great to come home to. I wish that everyone will be able to find their purpose and passion and do what is ever necessary to fill that need.   There are always events in my past that always put a smile on my face. If I look back at all the times I felt honestly and truly happy, I found that my happiness is doing what I love around the people I love.  What is yours?