Rocky Lover Forever!

My favorite movie of all time is Rocky.  Yeah, yeah, I have heard all the hater’s comments regarding this and I HAVE NOT BEEN MOVED FROM MY OPINION!!! Because you know what- I can relate.  All I need to hear is that Rocky theme music and I am fired up and ready to take on anything.

Of course, this may have a little something to do with the fact that my father was Italian, born in Pennsylvania and like the Rocky character my dad was an academic underdog.  He didn’t really learn to read until college and like the Rocky character, my mom taught him by reading Louis L’Amour Westerns.  My dad was not supposed to graduate from high school, let alone receive two master’s degrees in education and business.

 Dad was a highly successful football coach with three daughters and a much younger son.  So, growing up in a home where we weren’t allowed to say, “I can’t”, or “I quit” pretty much shaped us. (except for dieting…. I am somehow able to quit that on a regular basis).   Not quitting, this was our belief system.  We were underdogs and we were lucky enough to be inspired by our own father. He was inspirational without the Rocky soundtrack for backup.

My father was brilliant.  Not off the charts smart, but genius with people.  He understood what made people tick.  He inspired others to reach toward their highest potential and fulfill it. 

At the age of 39, my father was killed in a car wreck.  He left us behind- mom, me -19 at the time, my 5-year-old baby brother and two young sisters between us. Dad poured his brilliance into us from the beginning of our lives.  Little did he know, he would leave us so early but leave a gigantic impression on us and even bigger, legacy of courage and perseverance. His lessons in compassion, empathy, ambition, kindness, sense of humor and determination were planted early and have continued throughout our lives as we grew up, had our own families and faced countless life challenges without his physical presence.

I love Rocky for the simple, undeniable don’t quit, keep getting up and grab your dream attitude, it conveys.  The following is my favorite motivational speech ever…. Because I can hear my dad speaking these words.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you, no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life.” 

― Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

Seriously, if this doesn’t get you a little pumped up you should probably check your pulse!

Remember who you are and where you came from. Hold your head up and never quit!

Joseph D. Girardi

#rocky #inspiration#father#coach#family#love#respect#admiration#don’tquit

- Sylviana