The only place you find success before work is the dictionary.

May Smith

My favorite 13 year old has this quote up on the wall of her room.  When I go into her room and read the saying, I smile knowing that I have mentored her well.  This quote is likely the reason that she set the school’s Junior High Cross Country record this fall.

One of the most important life lessons that competitive swimming taught me was to be enthralled with the work that was necessary for success.  While winning was awesome, I learned that true success was realized in the journey.

I transitioned from being a competitive athlete to a recreational athlete almost two decades ago, but I still believe in the value of the journey.  Today it is a journey of safe food production rather than qualification for the elusive US Swimming Senior Nationals, but my…