The Sunshine Report Life in the Fast Lane! Karen and Jay share thoughts on the benefits and excitement of ‘living life in the fast lane. Thrilling. Energizing. Exhilarating! These are the feelings that vibrate through your very being when you get into the game. And, especially, when you jump into the ‘fast lane.’ If you want to live life to the fullest. If you want to achieve your full potential. Then from time to time, you need to jump into the flow – where the speed is great, the challenges significant and the need for focus and concentration is at the max. In so doing, you will not only feel ‘totally alive,’ but it will test you, infuse you with energy, and you will achieve far more than you can possibly imagine. In the opening sequence of the John Hughes’ classic ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off,’ after faking an illness to get out of a day of school, its famed protagonist Ferris Bueller gives one of the most iconic movie monologues. He famously states, ”Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Life does indeed come at us quickly. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday we were a teenager, graduated college, or had our first child, sparking the question “where did the time go”? Yet, it’s important that, in the spirit of Ferris Bueller, we stop to look around, to explore, and that we participate actively in our lives, that we at times get back in the fast lane.’ What I mean by this is simple. Oftentimes we can fall victim to a monotonous rhythm, almost where we put our lives on cruise control - Napoleon Hill called people doing this ‘drifters.’ Yet when we’re more observant of, and intentional with how we spend our time, not simply doing something because it’s what we’ve gotten into the habit of doing (especially when that thing hasn’t brought us happiness or joy), the benefits can be extraordinary. Each of us have goals or ambitions in life, but we each also take a different approach to how we hope to achieve them. These goals are based on a variety of things, our passions, our interests, or what is going to bring us the most peace. When we work towards them, little by little, we often create momentum that accelerates the opportunities that come our way. Even when we have setbacks, it’s an opportunity to learn. It reminds me of the story of NFL Hall of Famer John Randle, member of the ‘NFL 100 All Time Team.’ John was born into poverty in Texas and worked odd jobs from a very early age with his brother Ervin in order to help their family make ends meet. When he reached high school, he went out for the high school football team and made the team even though his coaches told him at tryouts he was too small. His sophomore year though, he quit the team after having to hitchhike back from practice every day. Yet his mother wouldn’t have it, telling him in the most blunt of words “if you quit football, there’s nothing else here for you.” John would eventually re-join the team, graduating a few years later, but did not receive any athletic offers to play football in college. Due to his family’s financial circumstances, college would not be an option otherwise. Yet a local community college offered him a spot on their team with some financial support where he would build his reputation, eventually transferring to a school in the Texas A&M system. In both seasons he attended, John starred, setting school records for sacks and tackles. When it came time for the NFL draft though, he not only went undrafted, but was rejected by three teams at their tryouts. Through his own perseverance, the Minnesota Vikings eventually gave him a shot, but even they were wary of his size as a defensive lineman, saying if he didn’t get his weight up, they would cut him. In his first season, he played very little, but John built a reputation in Minnesota as the hardest working player on the field. This eventually led to a bigger role, and then a starting role with the Vikings. From that point forward, John would spend 14 seasons in the NFL, becoming the all-time sack leader amongst defensive linemen, a 7x Pro Bowler, 6x All-Pro, a member of the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor, and elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.  Yes, life moves fast. But when we make the decision to get into the game – especially when coupled with hard work, determination, and a bit of ingenuity, opportunity often comes knocking. And you can maximize this opportunity when you jump into the fast lane, as John did, challenging yourself and competing with the very best! Read The Report A Day in the ‘Fast Lane’ - The ‘Road to the White House’ Read More A Day in the ‘Fast Lane’ - The ‘Road to the White House’ Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Ashley Walukevich This week we are delighted to highlight a great friend and highly accomplished political strategist – Ashley Walukevich.  Ashley is truly terrific and has achieved significant success at a young age. She is hardworking, highly intelligent and a wonderful example of someone being ‘in her zone’ while living and truly working in the fast lane. Originally from Kingston, New Hampshire, she began her career as a Field Director for the Florida Republican Party Victory Operation during the 2012 election cycle, working on Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. Since then, she has held a variety of roles in political campaigns and organizations. Most recently, Ashley has been working with the Republican National Committee (RNC), serving as the Deputy Political Director. During the 2020 election cycle, she was the Midwest Regional Political Director for the RNC Victory campaign, where she oversaw seven states and helped secure key victories in Iowa and several congressional districts. In the previous election cycle, she was the New Hampshire State Director for the RNC, helping to support candidates throughout the state. Ashley's hard work and positive attitude along with her ability to direct multiple efforts have been instrumental in her many successes. She has been recognized for her leadership and dedication, particularly in her efforts to flip congressional districts and win tough races. Most important, if you have the opportunity to spend time with her, you will immediately be impressed with her positive ‘can do’ spirit. And, you will certainly come to know how Ashley has achieved an impressive record of success in every effort she has attempted. We know that Ashley has a very bright future and will continue to excel as she makes her way in the ‘fast lane’ of politics and beyond. Quote of the Week "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]