A well-known character in the show "Friday Night Lights,"Coach Eric Taylor, gives both his players and his family advice that relates to so much more than just Friday night football. Attacking the opportunity, understanding that only you can control certain outcomes, and understanding that "There is no weakness in forgiveness” from the wise words of his wife, Tami Taylor, are just a few of the many pieces of advice that go so much further than just small town Friday night football. I encourage you to apply these small pieces of advice that might be causing you to stay within the barriers that cause us to forget about the good things in life.

Attack the opportunity. I cannot count how many times my coaches have used this word in relation to being an aggressive athlete. Not only that, I cannot count how many times my father has taught me to attack every opportunity. Whether it is in extracurricular activities, relationships, or academics, attacking opportunities has led me down the path I am today. Sometimes attacking the opportunity means we must do things that aren’t always easy, yet are worth it. Attacking the opportunity means we must do things that are uncomfortable in hopes that being out of our comfort zone will bring forth lessons that were not present before. Attack the opportunities that make you the best version of yourself.

You can only control certain outcomes. I have to remind myself daily of this. Sometimes I’m grateful for the fact that there is only so much in my control, and sometimes, if I truly think about it, I’m terrified. I only have control over things that I know I can make a difference in; such as studying for a test, being a good friend, and pushing myself to be my best in whatever I choose. However, I am more than comforted by the fact that doors close without my control, only for bigger ones to be opened by The One who is in control. That leaves me with an unexplainable peace to know that His plans will present themselves regardless.

There is no weakness in forgiveness. In fact, I think some of the strongest acts of our character involve forgiving those who have wronged us. Some of the hardest things to accept are the wrongdoings of those we love. There is no weakness in showing courage and strength in accepting someone for their wrong doings. Why? Because we ourselves have fallen short. Forgiveness is like freedom. The barriers that hold us from that freedom could be that of pride, sadness, anger, and jealousy. Forgiveness, however, breaks through all of those things, showing only the strongest parts of who we are by such a simple, yet difficult deed.

All of these pieces of advice have related to more than one area of my life, and I am sure all of us have come into their course before. Accepting each of these facts of life may be the hardest, but worth it at the same time. Be aggressive at being the best version of yourself and attack the opportunity. Be at peace in the fact that you can only control so much, and that there is a larger, more incredible being with plans that we cannot fathom. Be strong in forgiving others for their wrong doings. Only then can you truly break through life’s barriers that keep us from enjoying life’s most precious gifts.