I was reminded this week of how blessed I am by God with what I have ... and don't have. Swimmer Michael Phelps, an 18-time Olympic champion, checked himself into a six-week rehab program after his arrest on a DUI charge. He was pulled over in Maryland while allegedly clocked driving 84 mph in a 45 mph zone at 1:40 a.m. on Sept. 30. Officers on the scene claim Phelps failed a field sobriety test. It's not his first run-in with the law. Phelps also was arrested on a DUI charge 10 years ago, and in 2009 his picture was everywhere with his lips puckered up to a marijuana 'bong'. USA Swimming has suspended him for 6 months, meaning he is out for the World Championships – swimming's second-biggest get-together. He tweeted, “Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual.” He got THAT right. People drink and do drugs or abuse people and substances (including food) for a lot of reasons, this is not a tutorial about that today. I do want to discuss what is at the core of why this keeps happening to Phelps and to others like him who fall into similar traps. They just aren't happy. What? How could someone who has everything possibly be unhappy? You see my point. Phelps is just the most recent example of a person whose fame, fortune and celebrity status just doesn't add up to what they want. Why? Like I said, I don't know in Phelps' case specifically and there are many possible reasons why, but they would include being a spoiled brat, losing yourself in your pile of cash, surrounding yourself with bad influences and pre-existing conditions that get exposed by fame. But think about it, elite athletes are in-fact elite because of their drive, their will to work harder, to work longer, to get faster/stronger/better. That's what they do. So what happens when you get to the top of the mountain? Phelps has been there and done that ... now what? His whole life has been spent working toward being the best swimmer to ever get wet, and he did that. But when you have fame, you have money, you have won Olympic gold 18 times ... 18! Then what? Train to win the Olympics again? Try a different sport? They are looking for new stimulations (see Michael Jordan's baseball career). And often they turn to things like alcohol and drugs to fill that perceived gap in their lives. It's unfortunate because there are so many positive places stars could put their extra energy into, and many do to the good of their communities. But Phelps, 29, is just another in a long line of people who got to the top of their mountain and tried to go higher ... and fell off the peak. See, there is something to be said for being happy in your work and in your life (and those two things often go together). Moving up the chain may lead to prestige and a bigger paycheck but it doesn't guarantee happiness. I have had chances to leave Warsaw for brighter lights and bigger cities and God closed those doors, and I am really glad. I enjoy serving the people of the communities in our listening areas. My wife Holly and I want to raise our kids here. We are happy here. Some people might take shots at that by saying “you are settling” or “how will you know how far you could go?” My response: you hear that still small voice, and you pay attention to it. Mine says “you have it pretty good here.” I'm listening. So when you watch a game or a movie and you start that “man I wish I was (insert your hero/favorite here)” pity party, stop and think about what you have, and be grateful for it. And then go a step farther and be glad for what you don't have and all that goes with that, too.
