The "We've Been There" DVD

I'm kind of excited about my latest venture, a DVD that I'm producing with the goal of bringing positive energy to all those who view it.

The more I find myself working with wonderful non-profit organizations across the state, nation and world, the more I witness the power we have when we use our time, talents, and influence for the good of others. It can be as simple as serving at a local soup kitchen or as elaborate as establishing a world-wide foundation to support cancer research. Whether we reach out to one or one million, the result is the same: we make a difference.

I have seen the kids smile at an after school club we visited who were there because there was no one at home to take care of them. I have seen the relief on the faces of brave men and women at the veteran's hospital we toured who were glad to have someone to talk to that afternoon. I have see joy on the faces of cancer patients whose bravery inspired us all each time we stopped by. The list goes on and on, but perhaps more important are those quiet moments I've been able to be the friend, be the shoulder to lean on, or just be the listening ear to someone in need.

Life can get so crazy one day and monotonous the next, but we can call ourselves lucky if we have someone to turn to in those times of need.

Lately I have been working with some organizations who spend their time helping teenagers deal with adversity like family troubles, social pressures, academic difficulties and more. Their goal is to help teens understand that its ok to struggle, ok to ask for help and ok to believe in themselves. The hope, the overall desire, is to help teens realize they're not as alone as they might feel and that the situation isn't as hopeless as they might believe.

To that end, I'm working on this incredible new project that I hope will help teens all across the nation feel understood and inspired at the same time. The project will consist of several athletes telling their inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, pushing themselves to the limits, and relying on friends, family, teammates, etc. to do it. As each athlete talks about their experiences in life and sport, it is our hope that the teens, parents, educators and administrators who watch the DVD will feel that spark of hope and the fire of belief in life and their future.

If this DVD sounds like a good idea to you then I challenge you to come up with a way to make a difference in your own part of the world. It doesn't have to be big or world-saving, but to that one person you reach out to you might just be the world.

The DVD is in production right now, but here's a sneak peek at the cover of the piece. Stay tuned for release date and details on how you can get a copy!