Jack of all trades!

Let's travel back in time about 10 years. I was 10 years old, enjoying a much simpler life. It was summer, softball season had just ended and I had been working on my calves to get ready for county fair. It was a warm summer evening not too much different from last night that my parents presented a choice to my brothers and I. It was: softball/baseball or showing cattle. My parents had decided the hectic summer ball schedule just didn't work with a beef project, so each of us had to decide. I'll bet you can guess what I chose. Yes, each one of us decided that we would rather show calves thanplay with a bat and ball. Each of us has admitted that part of our reasoning at that time was the belief that our parents would have been a little disappointed had we made the other choice, but now I am so glad my parents made me choose, and I 100% believe I made the right decision.

(That's Me with my last softball team, I'm in the front 2nd from the right)

I'm not saying that softball and baseball are bad sports, or that both can't be done. I had a high school friend who was very successful at both. My parents wanted their children to learn a valuable lesson. You can't do everything! Both options were good, and my parents were completely supportive of us in both, but we couldn't provide a commitment to both activities. So we had to choose, and I am still applying that lesson today.

(2 years ago showing at the National Jr. Angus Show, an opportunity we definitely wouldn't have had time for if I had still played summer ball)

There are so many great opportunities out there for young people, and it's great to see so many kids involved in different things. I think, however, this causes a problem. With so many opportunities, choices must be made, and people aren't choosing. I see folks rushing from one event to another, and missing the opportunities to grow and connect in one area. By urging us to focus on a few specific activities, my parents helped each of their children find a different passion. My older brother is the strongest showman, livestock judge, and cattleman among us. I have a passion for speaking and communicating. My younger brother is a great basketball player, and a hardworking "do-er." I have had to say no, to great opportunities throughout my life, but I have no regrets. Making one decision set me up to make many more, helping me to avoid: "Jack of all trades, master of none."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie