Life of Our Choice
by Miles Patrick Yohnke
(Canada)
Miles Patrick Yohnke with his mother and one brother, March 2007
A new record time of 1:02. While cycling yesterday I did what I had hoped I could realize someday. Break my old long-standing and hard to top old record of 1:04. I write this as it is more about life than a time or even me.
Before I left on this 42.5km time trial I had an in-depth talk with a colleague of mine from Edmonton. I spoke at length about being our best that day. That time is life.
Time is opportunity. Each second of time is precious. The more you are aware of that, the more likely you'll be never to waste your time.
As I cycled to my usual start line I realized it was a beautiful cloudless day with zero wind. I found myself revisiting in my head the words I had spoken to my friend earlier that day.
And that I was going to be my best. That a new record time was within reach.
With this new record time I find myself reflecting on my own life. How did this happen? You see, I teach and mentor many of the most respected people in the music industry including Los Angeles Talk Radio's Sheena Metal, a Los Angeles entertainment icon. Along with keynote speakers Bobby Borg (also from Los Angeles) as well as Bronson Herrmuth from Nashville. And many more. How did this happen?
At the age of five, I faced a tragic event. My father was killed in a potash accident. By the age of thirteen I had been kicked, beaten, and robbed of my self-esteem. I was bullied mercilessly thru elementary school. Only my mother and my two older brothers had any faith in me.
Nobody else saw much hope for me. I had a learning disability that made it almost impossible to read and write. Although through these events I became very grateful. As it's made me a homo-sapient. And one with great sentiment. It's given me a vortex of emotions involving vulnerability, pain, anger, hope, love, and a lust for life. It's made me a prize-fighter!
Still wide-eyed like an infant. Ever curious, ever seeking. I find myself excited to share this because if I can do this anyone can.
Each one of us beholds a beautiful story to be told. Each one of us can have the life of our choice. We just need to choose.
By Miles Patrick Yohnke
© 2009 All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
Globally recognized and award-nominated engineer, producer, writer, poet and founder and C.E.O. of 5 Star Productions, Miles Patrick Yohnke brings many years of experience to the music industry; including many awards in sales and marketing. If you are looking at developing your career, Yohnke offers consulting in person, by phone or via email. For more info, please contact him directly at: 306.227.6379 or email at: miles(at)5-starproductions.com.
