My belief was formed eighteen years ago as a five-year-old kid during my first of many seasons of Little League baseball. My friend Patrick was on second base when I came up to bat. I sent a line drive out to left field and after admiring my hit for a while (that momentary pause that drives coaches and parents nuts), I took off running in the direction of first base. Patrick, however, had yet to start running. In fact, he hadn’t even left second base. Instead of running for third, Patrick had picked up the base to explore what was underneath. Apparently the mystery that had plagued kids for centuries—what could possibly be hiding underneath second base—needed to be solved immediately. The fact that it was the second inning of our first tee ball game was of no consequence. …show more content…
Of course, there were a few dads who pulled on their belt, spit to the side, and commented about kids needing to keep their head in the game and focus, but for the most part it was the funniest thing anyone had seen in a while. I don’t remember if we won the game, if I made it to second base, or if Patrick took it with him as he advanced to third. What I do remember, and what has become a core philosophy of mine, is that I should always take the time to find out what’s underneath second base. Looking underneath second base is about living for the moment. It’s not caring if others think what I’m doing is stupid or foolish. It is about being honest with myself and doing what makes me happy and not bowing to outside pressures. It is a reminder that I should look beneath the surface of things, and more importantly, people. Everyone has a story—a series of significant and insignificant life experiences that precede each moment of their lives. I am more patient and understanding because I realize that the story may be a painful and stressful