Category: Gratitude

2020 shouldn’t be written off.

Published on by erikcpanzer

2020 may be a year that we are all glad to see the end of, but that should not mean we disregard all that we learned from it.

Yes many devastating things happened, but when faced with adversity, we are given a great opportunity to learn and grow.

2020 was a year where it may have felt like so much was out of our control; lock downs, lay offs, mask wearing. The list goes on.  

Although many things were out of our control, there was still so much that was in our control.

Mindset, how you view the world around you

Thoughts, what you think about

Attitude, how you interact with the world around you

Habits, what your consistent behaviors are 

These are all things that we can control, no matter what is going on around us. A healthier balance of control with these can lead to improved well being.

Start with You. Intentionally focus on these areas to improve your life, and over time with a continued intention for improvement, you’ll progress towards fulfillment.

Become fully responsible for yourself!

2020 taught us that life is fragile, it’s a gift, and it can change in an instant.

Give time to yourself. Connect with friends. Learn new things. Explore new places. Read more books. Do what makes you fulfilled. Live it up!

Go make the most out of 2021 for yourself.

Footprints in the Sand

Published on by erikcpanzer

Footprints in the sand, one minute they are there, the next minute they are gone.

No matter what the surface layer shows, the footprint that you left is still there, just unseen below the surface.

In life, people of all ages, and backgrounds, come and go. Each moment of human interaction has the ability to be a footprint in the sand.

Whether a single, short interaction, or longer lasting relationship, each of these experiences have the potential to leave an imprint on you. No matter what the moment was, below the surface, conscious or unconscious, a part of that moment will stay with you forever.

Over time, these footprints wash to the surface. All just very fleetingly from those moments, you might feel the emotion again, refelct on the knowledge gained or remember the connection you built.

What is exciting about this, is what type of footprint you can have on others, friends or strangers.

What type of moments can you share with others, to leave a footprint in their sand to one day wash to the surface and have an impact on their life. 

Walk your own path, leave your own footprints and be present and aware of the footprints being left on you.

Time, a Concept of Measurement

Published on by erikcpanzer

Time. What really is it? I’m not too sure myself, but from what I understand, time is just a concept of measurement, measuring what, I’m not exactly quite sure either. It’s a funny concept, using numbers to give each period from sun up till sun down or for better word, a day, an outline of the amount of ‘time’ we have. This aspect of it is at least consistent. But what these numbers really do is they set barriers each day for us to live by, which we all suitably abide by. Today’s society is so deeply regimented into living life by these numerical barriers and guidelines that what if those numbers weren’t there each day for us to live by? What if we had no barriers, what if we had no structure, what if we had no time?

But for the purpose of these thoughts, lets just continue within these barriers of time…you think you have time, and maybe by the measurement of numbers, you may. But whatever that is, it is not to be taken for granted. Life isn’t something you wait around until 5pm each day for. Life isn’t something you wait until tomorrow or the weekend for. In today’s society, life is unpredictable. Seeing school aged kids who probably thought they had a whole life ahead of them get taken too soon, or friends that never got to live out their true potential due to devastating diseases and events, you can’t even question how much more time they wish they had. If that doesn’t make an impact, if that doesn’t make you realize how fortunate you are for each and every day you live, I’m not quite sure what will.

Time, whatever it is, won’t wait around for you to get your dream job. It won’t give you enough money to travel the world. And it certainly wont always put you in the best environment for your health. You have to make those things happen for yourself. You have to take control of your life, take control of the time you have and use it to your advantage.

“You can’t change your circumstances until you believe you control them. And you can’t control your circumstances until you decide to take responsibility for them.” – Mark Manson

Don’t settle for an environment that the time you invest is not valued or progressing you towards where you want to go. Continue searching for the environment that gives you direction in purpose, and if you cant find it, create it. Flow your energy to that space, and create your own environment that leads you in the direction you wish to go.

The crazy thing is, time puts a number on things, and that number is this guideline we look forward to for something different to happen. But you cannot control the future, all you have is the present moment, and you can only ever be in that moment. The present moment is what matters. That is all that you have control of. You can’t fast forward, you can’t rewind.

“Life is available only in the present moment” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Don’t look back don’t look forward, just be still and enjoy life, moment by moment. Make the most of the current time you have and if you are fortunate to keep receiving more time, then cherish that!

My final thought is thanks to a close friend of mine who once shared this with me, “time is a funny thing – the less you have, the more you want it. And the more you have, the easier it becomes to let it go to waste.” Time has it’s own way. Don’t let your time go to waste. Don’t be controlled by these numbers. Go out and utilize your time in the best ways you see for yourself. Make the most of the time you are offered, enjoy those moments and live boldly.

New Zealand is Natures Best

Published on by erikcpanzer

Fern in Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand is a pretty special place. I am very fortunate to have grown up in this amazing country. From a very young age, I have been filled with adventure, to explore, to see, to learn. There is so much on offer in New Zealand for these things, and having spent a lot of time away, I have returned with an enhanced appreciation for the natural beauty of this country that I call home. Growing up, sometimes I would take it for granted, and I know many other of my Kiwi friends did too. It wasn’t until we travelled overseas to really see how lucky we were. The natural sights that I have seen overseas are very incredible, but there is just something a little bit special about the purity and serenity of the sights in New Zealand that sets them apart. Maybe its just the physical connection to the country from being born here, but whatever it is, it sure is special.

Our country is a playground filled with amazing National Parks that contain native bush, clear flowing rivers, peaceful reflective lakes, rugged mountains, incredible coastlines, lush green rolling hillsides, and everything in-between. It really is a natural paradise. And one of the greatest things is that most of it is all very accessible for the everyday New Zealander. Whatever the season, whatever the weather, there are amazing places to see. Climbing to mighty peaks, walking along lakes and rivers, taking a dip in a fresh pool along a river, camping by the ocean and waking to the crashing of the waves and morning song of the native birds. It’s hard to find reasons not to want to enjoy these experiences.

What these experiences and adventure have done for me, is they have kept me grounded. It gives me that feeling of something a lot bigger than me. When you are out in the bush, or on the mountainside with no sight or sound of civilization, and just you and your vulnerable self and thoughts, you seem so small and insignificant, it grounds you. It brings you back down and connects you with this greater life around you. It gives you peace in thought and self, taking you far, far away from any struggles or concerns in your life and just lets you be for awhile. The refreshing feeling of a light southerly breeze across your face as you sit there and admire the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings, that is something I find to be life’s special moments.

The biggest concern I have is the longevity of many places due to the popularity of the attractions. A little respect can go a very long way to ensuring that future generations are afforded the same opportunity to set sight on the natural beauty of this country. However, I still encourage all Kiwis to get out there and truly make the most of this wonderful playground that we have on offer here, I just hope that you leave it better than you found it so that it stays beautiful for years and years to come.

Time for Reflection

Published on by erikcpanzer

2017 has been an incredible year for me.

I have been very blessed to have stayed fit and healthy throughout the past 12 months as I continue to pursue football. This journey in 2017 took me to more countries, more places, than I could have imagined. The experiences I have had, the places I have visited and explored, have been incredible. The people I have met and the stories I have heard have been amazing. And the growth and development as a young man that has occurred in my life has been unmatched by any other prior experience.

2017 certainly hasn’t been easy as I have faced many challenges, making tough decisions like leaving a club, or investing in a rigorous training program, or being dropped to the bench. But I see all these challenges as lessons learned and an opportunity for growth. Although learned in football, these challenges are relative to the real world and these lessons learned give me life skills. They are lessons that I can grow from and utilize in the future when similar situations occur, whether in my own work place or whether I’m working with a client who is also in a similar situation. When times are tough, it makes me tougher and that will show true one day, near or far.

Some of the highlights were:

With all these experiences over the last 12 months, I am very excited to head into the new year with fire in my belly and a continued drive for success and adventure. Life is certainly unpredictable, and it definitely is not fair, so I look forward to embracing every opportunity that I get to develop myself and my wellbeing. The excitement of the unknown is nerving but thrilling. Knowing that there are so many more great experiences to be had, many more lessons to be learned, and best of all, more people to meet and be inspired by or even inspire them.
It is the people in my life that allow me to continue my purposeful journey. I am very thankful for the love and support from all those who assisted in my journey this year. Most importantly, I am grateful to be closer to home this holiday period and spend some precious quality time with my family.
I look forward to continuing to chase my dream in the new year!

The Fortunate Life

Published on by erikcpanzer1 Comment

To be here, writing this, and for you to be here, reading this, we are all blessed with life. Some people experience life in a different way, others live a less fortunate life than most, and so each day it is important to reflect on the fortunate life that you live. Having food in your cupboards, clothes in your drawer, water in your taps, a roof over your head; having either of these things leaves you in the higher percentage of fortunate people around the world. It is important to not take advantage of this. Make the most of the opportunity you have been given, to wake up every day and truly experience life. Justify why you were given the chance to live the life you have been blessed with. Don’t waste it, when there are so many people around the world who wish they were in your shoes, and had your opportunities.

I was given a gentle reminder earlier last week about the life that I am lucky to live. I was involved in the presentation of medals at the National Summer Games – Special Olympics NZ. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not taking anything away from these incredible athletes, their abilities, their appreciation for life and their ability to live life without inhibitions. What these athletes reminded me was that life is lived everyday by other people in different capacities. These humans also have a chance to play a sport they love, interact with their friends, and experience the feelings of jubilation and despair. All of these are just experienced in a different capacity.

Maybe what these humans experience is considered the fortunate life? I’m not here to make comparisons, I am just here to spread a message.
My message is for everyone in this world to be more appreciative of your abilities, opportunities, and experiences you have or are offered, because not everyone in this world is offered similar. No matter your situation, no matter your frustrations, I believe that it is important to sometimes take a step back from a frustrating situation to reflect and remember how fortunate you really are. Take a lesson from these athletes and live life without inhibitions. Don’t do things for the recognition of others, do things for yourself, and live life to the fullest capacity that you have been blessed with.

When I look at the bigger picture, my ability to play football has given me so much. It has given me the chance to travel the world, it has given me the chance to inspire others, it has given me the chance to meet so many people from different cultures. I wake up each day reflecting on how lucky I am to have a new chance, and a new opportunity to make the most of the day I have been gifted. I am physically capable of playing a sport I love, intellectually capable to converse with others, and consciously capable to know that today is a gift, and I am fortunate to live it.

The Practice of Patience

Published on by erikcpanzer

Patience really is a virtue. It certainly is a tough skill to learn and apply in life, especially in a society where everyone is expecting instant results or returns. We live in a world that is so fast paced and technological that we all expect things almost instantaneously after going in search for them. Not often do we see individuals working hard, and every day continuing to persevere along a path for something they really want, instead often taking the easy way towards something comfortable and familiar.
Being patient comes with many challenges, it can mean working for a lot of time for something you want, it can be waiting for something that may even never come.
Patience can also be a savior for so many people, in relationships, in decision making, in social experiences. It is a trait that isn’t often practiced or seen in many individuals today, but it can be what sets you apart. It teaches a good lesson, and even if the outcome or result of what you have shown patience for isn’t the one you wished, the learning and development of the skill of patience is so very important throughout life.

“Patience is not just about waiting for something… it’s about how you wait, or your attitude while waiting.” ~ Joyce Meyer

As Meyer says, it is about how you act and react in every situation along your path while you patiently wait for something. This is defining as your actions can either assist in your journey, or they can elongate your journey. The decision is up to you, how will you  act in patience? Patience starts from an everyday attitude towards life, and can slowly become part of your character. Patience starts today, so how will you show it?

This weekend, my team showed patience. After going down 1-0, we were patient in our play, knowing that we were the better team with more quality and firepower. Our patience paid off, ultimately coming back to win 5-2. This is a small example of patience, but for a team playing a season of approximately 25 games, learning and applying patience in this situation allows us to understand the importance of it across the season, throughout the challenges we face and successes we achieve.

I have patiently waited for nearly two years to see my father again, and I was reunited with him this weekend as he came up to watch my game. Although we FaceTime each week, nothing beats seeing loved ones in person and enjoying their character and being in close proximity! It was a special weekend and I was very fortunate to spend time with him, especially after the journey and experiences I have had in the last two years!

When Opportunity Presents Itself

Published on by erikcpanzer

I wasn’t born to stay home.

Both my parents left their respective countries of birth while in their 20’s. As their son, they raised me purposefully with wings, to fly away. I was encouraged to go explore this world, experience different countries and cultures, and to take opportunities when they are presented to me. Through my travels and experiences, I have gained so much. Most importantly, I have gained a greater perspective of life and through this, I have developed my character into one that is relative to this perspective. I have developed a great appreciation for life, the abilities that I have, the opportunities I receive and the people in my life. This has allowed me to embrace life’s moments and all that it has gifted me, especially because many people do not have the same basic abilities as me or are not offered opportunities similar to me. Life is a gift, so I encourage you to make the most of it, every single day.

I believe I made the most of the last couple weeks in Sweden, and I am very glad I did, as they were my last days I would spend in the beautiful Värmland County, Sweden. My visa expired and I had to make a decision. I made a decision for what I believe to be the best for my well-being, and also my future as a footballer. I received an offer to return to New Zealand and play for Team Wellington FC in New Zealand’s National League, and I took it. The past 18 months since I graduated from Quinnipiac University have been an adventure to say the least. There were many great experiences had during this time, along with many great challenges and learning experiences. I developed many abilities in this period of growth and development. I met many great people who challenged me to be better every day. And I truly believe that wherever I went, and whoever I met, I left a positive impact on them or their environment. I aim to make the world a better place, and I made a point to show my desire to do so during these adventures.

I believe the time was right to return to New Zealand to further progress as a person and football player. The opportunity presented was an attractive one for so many aspects of my life, one that I believe will progress me as a person and a football player. I have bought into a culture of professionalism and excellence along with a set team identity and it will give me a greater purpose in my football, something that has often lacked at the previous teams I was with. I am very excited for the opportunities that lay ahead, along with reconnecting with many old friends and influencers, and getting to further explore the beautiful country that New Zealand is.

Enjoy The Present Moment

Published on by erikcpanzer

As my time winds down here in Sweden due to my visa, this week was a great week where I encouraged myself to be present, to enjoy everything and everyone around me. By being present, I was not worried about the future, what might or might not happen, I was fully engaged in each day, in each moment. Being present allowed me to enjoy my interactions with people a lot more, enjoying their company and truly engaging in the conversations I had. Being present allowed me to enjoy the beauty of nature around me as the autumn leaves begin to fall and the orange and yellow leaves brighten the hillsides. Being present allowed me to focus fully on my training, the exercises or drills that I was doing and the challenges and developmental aspects it was offering. Being present allowed me to enjoy the moments, the moments that so many people let pass by them because their focus is elsewhere.

Being present is all about enjoying the now, something that was first instilled in me during my 3 week experience at Outward Bound. By living in the now, you will be controlling only what you can control, what is in that present moment, what is around you and who is around you. This will ultimately allow you to have a greater appreciation in life. I was able to appreciate the experiences I have been fortunate to have here in Sweden a little more because of this mentality.

Saturday was the perfect opportunity to be present and focus on those specific moments that were presented. It was a crucial game for us, we win and we would would be confirmed safe in Division two for next season. We lose and there is still a chance to be relegated, so there was a lot riding on the game. The only thing that myself and my team mates could control was our game and our result, and we took full control of it in the third minute and never looked back. Off our first corner of the game we scored. Ten minutes later we doubled that lead, and five minutes before half time, it was 3-0. While keeping our focus and control, we could now enjoy the second half, play some nice football and and take the important 3 points home, and we did just that. Scoring once more to complete the win, 4-0. A great moment for the team and the club. Our long bus ride home was a very enjoyable and relaxing one having achieved what we set out to do, and we could enjoy the moments with each other.

I made sure to enjoy a lovely swim in the river on Sunday morning to help the body recover after the long bus ride for Saturdays game. And then later in the afternoon, Grant, Libby and myself enjoyed a lovely drive up the valley and across the border into another ski town in Norway called Trysil. The drive was lovely, winding along the river and lake with the trees changing colors. I was grateful to be able to breathe in the fresh brisk air while casting my eyes upon a wonderful mountain and surrounding nature, not worrying about what might happen tomorrow or next week, because that is out of my control. I was simply living in the now!