In your lifetime, you will have 10 defining moments, make 7 critical choices and meet 5 pivotal people. I believe that your journey in life is about recognizing who and what they are.

Let's start with the first one... a "DEFINING MOMENT" is that thing that stands out in your life when you were changed... in that moment, you became someone new. Up until that point, your self identity was one thing and became something different after.

How many defining moments can you think of? Go ahead... really. Think about them. We are often so afraid to answer the hard questions. So I will give you a moment to do so.

"CRITICAL CHOICES" are those that you make that change your life forever. Some come a second after the defining moment.

Maya Angelou has a saying that I love: I can change by what happenes to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it. That, to me, is a critical choice. It's about CHOOSING to react or not react to something that happens TO YOU. We all have that right, and can exercise it freely. These choices can also come in unexpected ways and unfamiliar times. Trust in the fact that you will always be where you are called to be in that moment.

"PIVOTAL PEOPLE" are those that affect your life, both positively and unfortunately negatively as well. They are the ones who's roots run deeper in your soil, grounding your tree with more solid force, unshakeable in their intent.These are not the people who come and go in your life like an autumn breeze rustling just your leaves.

They are your parents, your family members, your teachers and coaches, your friends, and even people you don't know. Everyone has the chance to affect a life. EVERY ONE!!! So think of that next time you do something that could be someone else's defining moment, was it positive or negative?  Are you making choices that harm or choices that help? Are you being the wind in the leaves, or the roots to hold solid the tree?

Each of us has a purpose. Each of us has someone who can benefit by what we do, what we say, and most importantly, who we are. Hold fast that which is good, and be firmly planted in your choices.

But no matter what, know that nothing else matters unless you choose to do so.

Today is a great place to start...

Enjoy the process!

--Coach Jen