When your actions or words still resonate with someone 4 years later, you know you've left a lasting impact on that person. That's how I'd imagine Kevin Ostrom felt when I reached out to him last week, telling him about how he motivated me to write this post. Kevin was a Springfield College student with Mike and I, and a part of a program called Pre-Camp. Pre-Camp is an orientation program that helps a select group of roughly 70 incoming freshmen becoming more comfortable, confident, and acquainted as they begin their Springfield College career. Mike and I were co-chairs in 2013, and Kevin applied to be a Pre-Camp leader.
When Kevin came in for his interview with Mike and myself, one of us asked a pretty standard question as he walked in the door; "Hey Kevin, how are you?" Kevin's response struck the both of us. "Best day of my life today". A simple response with quite a bit of power. If I remember correctly, we pointed out the originality of Kevin's answer. Kevin had his own personal reaction to a question that most people answer with somewhat of a mindless "Good, how are you?". He said that every day that he wakes up, is the best day of his life. It was a new perspective that he had gained when his father passed away. If he got out of bed that morning and had the opportunity to go about his day, that's the best day of his life. Talk about having a present and mindful attitude. This goes along with the mindset of loving the rain. Wake up every day and look out the window. Decide then, no matter what it looks like it's doing out there, that you are going to have a great day. You don't need any more of a reason other than the fact that you are able to look out there, get out of bed, and have a day. You might as well make it the best day of your life, because that day is the only one promised. Kevin brought this philosophy another step further by creating the "Be a Rare Bird" foundation, which helped him to raise money to run triathalons in honor of his father, as well as start a scholarship for a graduating senior from Barnstable, Massachussets. As you can see here, it's all about being motivated to make a big impact from the little things. Personally, I love the "Best day of your life today" philosophy. Why not decide that you are going to have the best day of your life today? You don't need to be doing anything monumental, in fact, the little things of each day can indeed make it the best day of your life. Just another reminder, another little thing, that I hope you can take something from. Mike and I love situations like this, when people unexpectedly inspire us. That little 6 word sentence Kevin dropped on us 4 years ago is still holding a lot of weight, and turning into something more. If you want to learn more about the Be a Rare Bird Foundation, visit the link below, or reach out to Kevin through social media for stickers, wristbands, or hats. Take care, ~ Brian https://beararebirdfoundation.wordpress.com/about-kevin-ostrom/https://beararebirdfoundation.wordpress.com/about-kevin-ostrom/
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MiCHAEL McGowan, PT, DPT
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