This article was written by a leader in the fitness industry, Troy Fontana and published in the Reno Gazette Journal. I thought it was so powerful…especially this time of year, so I wanted to share it with you.

Do you ever find yourself asking, “What happened? Where has the time gone? Or, wow, this year flew by?”. I think all of us probably have. It’s far too easy to get caught in the everyday hustle and bustle of life. We rush the kids to school, then it’s a rush to get into work, then it’s hurry-hurry-hurry and after work you’re rushing trying to collect everyone to make it back for a quick dinner and some of you have to rush back out for lessons, practices or games. Then at last your get your head snuggled into the pillows and, oops, you forgot to get that one thing done and tomorrow you’ll have to put that on the to-do list. Maybe you’re even getting stressed just reading this and thinking of everything you have to do instead of enjoying some quiet reading time!

I recently read a story about Miles Levin, a teenager who fought a two-year battle with cancer and finally lost his fight. However, during his final years he experienced a great level of self-awareness, purpose and passion. Miles wrote countless short stories and reflections filled great wisdom. One such writing spoke of an experience at a driving range at a golf course.

Miles compared our lives to a bucket of golf balls. “When you start out with a big bucket of golf ball, you just start hitting away at them carelessly. You have dozens of them, each individual ball means nothing to you so you just hit, hit, hit. One ball gone is practically inconsequential when subtracted from your bottomless bucket. There are no practice swings or technique re-evaluations after a bad shot, because so many more tries remain.”

Miles, just a teenager went on, “ Eventually you start to have to reach down towards the bottom of the bucket to scavenge for another shot and you realize that your tries are running out. Now with just a handful left, each swing becomes more meaningful. The right technique becomes more crucial, so between each shoot you take a couple of deep breaths. There is a very strong need to end on a good note, even if every preceding shot was terrible, getting it right at the end means a lot.”

It’s amazing the wisdom that miles shared at such a young age. Miles learned in his short lifetime what so many of us never do. Miles continued, “You know as you tee up your last ball, “This is my final shot, I want to crush this with perfection; I must make this count.” Miles finished with a simple yet profound statement, “Live everyday shooting as if it’s your last shot, I know I have to.”

I hope the next time you find yourself rushed from task to task you can remember the story of Miles Levin. I hope you can remember that you’re loved, you do matter and life is precious. Greet people with a warm heart-felt smile, lend someone a hand, and pray for opportunities to serve someone else. These are the ways, I believe, we can get it right, making every moment count.

For more assistance contact Troy Fontana at (775) 331-6918 or by email at Getfit@fontanafitness.com. Troy Fontana is a nationally published author, motivational speaker and owner of Fontana Fitness located on the Sparks Marina. Visit www.FontanaFitness.com for more information.