Standing O's

I am debuting a new blog segment today called Standing O's, which I will post every Tuesday. In 20,000 Days and Counting, the author talks about how good it feels to receive a standing ovation, and that when we get one, we never forget it. The only problem is, very few of us ever get those. I may have gotten one in my whole lifetime. That premise got me thinking I could use the blog to celebrate people and let them know how much I appreciate them, for the whole world to read. A standing ovation in written form.

I read a book last year called The Power of Who that talked about how, outside of our families, we all have layers of friends and acquaintances, beginning with our inner circle--the three or so people that are our closest, most trusted, most valued friends. In fact, they are more than friends--they are more like extended family. And so, I have many friends and acquaintances who will make an appearance in this segment over the coming months, but I am devoting today's opening segment to my inner circle. My first standing ovations are for these three guys:

1. Clay Shoufler: Clay and I have been friends for almost thirty years now; nobody knows me or understands me more or better than he does. We have our most core interests in common: fitness and basketball, but on a deeper level, making our mark and living a thoughtful and extraordinary life. I have learned, and am still learning, from his patience and even-keeled demeanor. He is a clever, creative thinker with terrific ideas, and he has included me in those ideas in a way that has really improved my life. One of the few instances of childhood friends who find a way to extend and even grow their bond into adulthood. Words don't really do justice to our friendship--an awesome friend that has blessed and continues to bless my life.

2. Jacob Tucker: Tuck is the most unique and impressive person younger than me that I have ever met or worked with, on multiple levels. Not only is he a man of unshakable faith, but he does as good a job as anyone I know of living that faith out and letting it inform his life on a daily basis. As such, he has been my best role model in what it means to live out being a man of God day to day, to trust and follow His plan for our lives. And he is also as unique an athlete and physical specimen as I have ever encountered; I've always been in awe of watching him perform, whether in basketball or just doing workouts in the gym. The knowledge, workouts, habits and encouragement he has shared with me have made the quality of my life better. I am truly grateful for who he is and all that he has done for me--a great, great friend.

3. Brent Rakers: Brent and I met in 2010 when he helped me get started with AdvoCare, and his impact on my life has been dramatic in a short period of time. Brent, too, is great at letting his faith inform all the other areas of his life and family, and as such, has been a great parallel role model for me as a working family man. In addition, he has been so generous with his time, his knowledge, and his compassion, helping me to build my AdvoCare business into something that I believe will sustain our family for the rest of our lives. And yet, our work relationship is a small part of who we are. I have always felt that Brent is most interested in helping me and being my friend--I think the best thing I can say about him is that we are close friends who just happen to be in the same business.

And so, a standing ovation for these guys that I love and care about greatly. It briefly occurred to me that people might be a little embarrassed to show up on my blog in this way, but I am over that. It's not often in life where somebody else truly celebrates who we are and makes us feel special. I have been blessed with incredible people in my life, and I think this is the perfect forum to celebrate those people and express my gratitude. Keep reading, everyone--your name might pop up on here someday soon....