Goin' back to College in Syracuse

The take away from my trip back to Syracuse University for the first time since December 1990...everything happens for a reason, at the exact right time and the exact right moment. It sounds cliche, but stay with me here... I was invited to be part of a journalism forum called "Sports Matters." Being chosen to join some of the high caliber graduates from SU was an honor. While on campus last week, I had a chance to share stories from my career with young people and encourage them to keep dreaming and never give up! I had the opportunity to spend time with other Syracuse grads in the business, my peers. We created a dialogue around three very important topics in the "sports journalism" spectrum today. I guess you really never know you've succeeded until you go back where it all started and get unspoken confirmation from your alma mater. Success isn't about money, or ratings, or how many toys you have when you die. Being rich isn't about the numbers on your bank account. Rich is how you feel? How is your life everyday? Are you at a peaceful place? Do you smile and laugh often? Are you energized by each moment you experience? Your personal answers to these questions and others will enlighten you about your life. Just take a minute and ask yourself, you might learn something. When it all comes down to it...how do you feel each day in your own skin, in your neighborhood, in what you give back to the world. I returned to the west coast a changed person; thoroughly enjoying my week in Central New York. I have some of my answers to these questions, and for now...I'm complete. And you?

Epic & Divine Timing...

Wow, sometimes we think we'll work our entire life to climb the ladder to the top of our profession, make it to the pinnacle. Or we travel up and down along the way to some pretty mighty "highs" and some often deep "lows". We strive to make the big money, be the best at what we do, garner the most respect from our peers and live "happily ever after." Well, I'm here to tell you that can all be true at some point, but sitting in and enjoying the present awesomeness, or an awesome moment, is a must. Getting quickly through the yucky spots is always helpful. Using lessons of the aches and pains to become a better form of you, the professional you, is crucial. Can I take my own advice, is it possible to hold onto the good stuff while working through the bad stuff? I think so, yes! I need to hold onto this lesson right now, at this moment. Because, this past week was EPIC for me in a number of ways. Let's be honest with ourselves; when life is good we feel amazing, but when it turns we forget that we will go back to positive, it just takes time. I vow to use this feeling to get me through the next low or set of lows. I vow to forgive myself if things don't go as planned. I vow to celebrate my strengths and be at peace with my weakness. Please, help me stay accountable and keep me to my word. #IHaveaVision #inthemoment #thisisit

My word for 2015...

Success... My friend Stephanie Paxton Jackson, a health & wellness coach in Washington state suggested picking a word to represent your own personal 2015. I chose this word because I am planning on finding it in all aspects of my life, personal, professional, roller derby, CrossFit, relationships and in the type of friend or family member I plan to be for others. My friend and CrossFit Coach Chad Franco brought up the word "reflection." This I am considering to signify my transition from one year to the next...I say we all reflect on 2014. How have you given back to your world, family, friends, neighbors, community? Let's plan for bigger and better things in 2015, shall we? Most of all...be more present in your life by opening your heart to others in all situations. Life is so beautiful and precious, if we walk through it numb or without feeling, we'll miss many fulfilling times, experiences, feelings, emotions, relationships, friendships, loves, colors, tastes, sounds, blessings, lessons...on and on and on. Cheers to a fantastic 2015; with challenges we become stronger and more versatile, with love we become more full, with an open heart we offer the world 100% of ourselves. Be true, be successful and continue to reflect on who you are and what you want to offer the planet. I will be here walking hand in hand with you, open to hearing about your world anytime, and I assure you, I will share with you along the way as well. Happy New Year, enjoy your personal "Reflection" of 2014 & cheers to "Success" in 2015 and beyond.

Family...

Recently I traveled east to visit friends & family for Thanksgiving. I hadn't seen this side of the Silas clan in over five years, and some for more than seven. My experience was deep and oh so, meaningful. Each moment on my adventure and my interactions with family from my 11 year old cousin to my 74 year old aunt and uncle was priceless. Not only did I have a wonderful, fun, loving, hilarious, enjoyable, delicious and enchanting time, but I learned a couple important lessons. First of all, it doesn't matter how long the time is between visits, unconditional love amongst a family can last for a lifetime! You can sustain close relationships and they will grow with you into the future. You only need to honor and nurture them, keeping them present in your daily life. It's not easy, but it's possible. Secondly, I learned that a non-judgmental family is the truest form of family. It doesn't always have to be represented by blood, but that makes it extra special. I have been home a week now and I am still high with love from the time spent with my Silas roots. I laughed, I cried, I shared, I listened, I felt, I loved, I honored... We stayed up late talking, catching up, and getting to know each other again. Those moments are my true Thanksgiving! My most recent trek east is one I will treasure and be extremely grateful for FOREVER! And I know this, I'm not waiting five plus years to do it again!

Striving for change...

Athlete, woman, mother, pro snowboarder, yogi, surfer; Megan Pischke is an inspiration to me and this week on my show I will share her journey with you. As I sit here and think about #Skatethecoast 2014, my eyes fill with tears, tears of joy, sadness and gratitude for Cal Skate Roller Derby and all of those who supported us while we helped raise over $30,000.00 for B4BC (Boarders for Breast Cancer) on September 27th. Please, listen to Megan's story this week, live Wednesday at 5pm pacific on ESPN Radio 1280am, or via the internet at www.espnradio1280.com. If you cannot listen live, check out my Podcast afterwards @ www.thecjsilasshow.com (24/7). Those that donated, cheered for us and followed us throughout the day here, on FB, on Twitter and on Instagram, thank you! My heart hurts for those we have lost, yet I feel encouraged by events like this. I will continue to cheer for those who are still in the fight. Don't give up on any of it! Events like Skate the Lake & Skate the Coast prove to me that we don't have to fight alone, we cannot do this alone, we will NOT do it alone! For those in physical pain, emotional pain, financial strain...this disease hurts each one of us in some way or another, in our hearts and deep in our souls. As I enjoy each moment of my life, I'll take time to feel the love we have surrounding us. Each one of you has touched me and I feel blessed to have such incredible people in my corner. I send long and warm hugs to each of you, near and far! "Chasing Sunshine" a documentary about Megan's life experience with cancer will premiere in January at the X-Games in Aspen. Please, watch the preview and feel inspired to listen to her story on The CJ Silas Show this week. You can see it at http://vimeo.com/106748789

Being Healthy...

Whew...I made it through a five week physical whirlwind. On August 4th my body stopped working efficiently. Immediately, I knew there was something wrong, but I had no clue what it was and why it was happening to me. I consider myself pretty darn healthy, that's why this was so strange. Since that day, I've been to some sort of medical facility 12 times, I've had a blood test, a urine test, five x-rays, four ultrasounds, a CT scan with a barium milkshake and an iodine IV. Plus, I was prescribed a variety of pharmaceuticals, none of which I took. I saw three doctors, two specialists, and at least 10 medical assistance. I spoke to a retired kidney specialist, a nurse practitioner, an oncologist and other specialists. In less than two weeks, I had lost nine pounds, had no appetite for two weeks and spent hours staring at the ceiling. But, I made it, and I must say, even if it sounds cliche, I'm better off for it. I am living proof our mind has a lot to do with what happens throughout our bodies. Over these last 35 days I have learned many things about who I am, how I live my life and what I need to do to stay healthy and strong. My body has come back remarkably, but even more importantly my heart has healed. I have finally let go of past hurts and pain in my life. I'd like to go a bit deeper here, but some people couldn't understand or may not believe. Let's just say this...thanks to a number of different entities I am clear, mind and body. It took a few weeks of time alone, inactivity and self awareness to figure out who I am, who I want to be, and how I want to treat people, including myself. I haven't been sick in over 13 years, guess it was the only way I would really truly rest. And rest I did. For the first time in a long time, I couldn't exercise my way out of a challenge. The moral of my story...you can go hard day in and day out, but you MUST take a break once in a while or else, your body and mind will GIVE you a break. Up until now I thought I was healthy and taking great care of myself, the only problem was, I didn't know how to really rest. My first activity was yesterday running in the No Mo Cancer 10K in San Luis Obispo, CA. It was the perfect time and place to return to exercise! I ran the race in honor of my nephew who passed away at age 11 in May of 2013. I want this on the record...I know how to chill out now. I don't want to ever go through that much pain again, and I don't plan on it.

Farewell Robin Williams...

Wow, my heart has been so sad since hearing about Robin Williams tragic death. It brings up a variety of emotions in all of us. Whether you were a fan or not, everyone has been touched by this story. For all of us, there seems to always be unanswered questions. I feel great sadness knowing there will never ever be another RW. He was a true entertainer! The grief has caused me take a good long look at my own life; who I am, who I love, how I love, what I give back to the world and how I honor those closest to me. We all have inner turmoil, demons, and issues we battle on a daily basis. Seeing someone who was such a brilliant and beloved talent lose the fight with himself is a horrible tragedy. It makes my heart hurt. After this past weekends moon and my own personal process, I plan to use this melancholy time as a reminder to myself to live each day in peace, give more time to others and take better care of my heart & mind. A recent theme on my own journey has been living for the now, and being in the moment...This Is It! Make it the best you can each day, because we never know what our own tomorrows will bring.