“There are only two options regarding commitment; you’re either in or you’re out. There’s no such thing as life in-between.”
– Pat Riley

I loved this quote when I read it.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of people live life in between. Just caught in that place where they are afraid to make a commitment. Afraid to pull the trigger for fear of failure, embarrassment, criticism. Maybe what he’s saying is that you can exist in-between but you can’t really live. I’ll give you that.

One of my favorite movie lines comes from “Second Hand Lions“. If you’ve not seen this movie, trust me on this one. . .see it. I won’t spoil for you but it tells the story of 2 men Hub and Garth McCann and their nephew Walter. Hub & Garth live quite a life and most who would hear their stories would question their validity. Anyway, at the end of the movie, Walter, who is now grown, is asked a question about his uncles. The closing scene goes like this:

Little boy to Walter: “So, the two men from Great Grandfather’s stories. . .they really lived?”
Walter: “Yeah. . .They really lived!”

Not just existed. But they really lived! Lived life to the fullest. Lived a life that people tell stories about. Lived a life that was hard to believe.

I spent this weekend with some buddies on our annual boys trip. We watched a lot of football. There may or may have not been some wagering on the games. Some of those said wagers may have come down to the final play and ALL fell in our favor. Loud screams and full sprints around the room were rumored to have occurred. Laughing, knuck giving, high fiveing fun.

We also went on a mountain bike excursion in the desert. 15 miles may not sound that long, but at 4000ft elevation climbing to 5100ft elevation over 3 miles with a  fully gung ho guide who’s goal was and I quote, “to bury” anyone who couldn’t keep up, it was a tough ride. We could have opted for an easier ride. In fact, that is what the guides original plan was but why would we do that? We’re all fairly healthy guys in better than average shape. We’re gonna take the easy ride? Nahhh. . .I’ll choose really living instead. We wouldn’t tell people about the “easy” ride. We’ll talk about the one we took for a while.

So, where are you today? Don’t just exist in life in-between. Remember, there’s only 2 options. . .you’re either in or you’re out.

Your call.