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John Passaro

Ever since becoming an involuntary member of the “Life-Changing Events Club” in 2009 when my daughter lost oxygen to her brain for 6 minutes,

I have viewed life with a new perspective.

That new perspective has been the greatest gift of my life.

I believe in life’s ordinary events there is extraordinary meaning.

I believe within our lives there are many life lessons which, when applied, can vastly prepare us for what is to come in our lives.

I believe everything we do and everything that happens to us in our life – happens for a reason.

I know the reason may take many years to come to the surface.

But it most certainly will.

And, I believe, if you are paying attention, you will realize the magnificence of how the universe works.

Here is my vision for my life and for this blog:

To improve the quality of other people’s lives by converting my life experience into the seeds of love, kindness, gratitude, and appreciation which I will plant in the soul of others.

I will be present and nurture this new spirit during chaos and crisis and share in and enhance the bloom of this spirit during accomplishment.

To live in a manner and way which will inspire those I serendipitously share paths with to live their version of the same in their lives.

That is the vision for my life and for this blog.

Thank you for your support.

Stay Connected with My Writing

Yes, please send me all essays as they are published.

The Worlds Deepest Pit

Sometimes we are given our greatest gifts by experiencing the worst events in our lives.

Sometimes Just Showing Up is the Victory.

Beyond the podium, the McCann family’s story underscores the importance of resilience and finding joy in the face of adversity.

The Untold Story of Walt Bond’s Baseball and Life Journey

If you haven’t noticed, I am a numbers guy. And I love baseball. I love the history, the backstories, and the struggles to reach the majors. I love the game. And I really love stats. As a kid, I slept with the National League Green Book. That was […]

Free Fall

I don’t think that makes me weak. I think it makes me human.

Joy and Sadness Can Coexist at the Same Time.

I have learned that the toughest part of life is the dichotomy of the good and bad that happens to you at the same time.   There is so much good. You can find heaven in the ordinary when you look for the good.   The bad really […]

The Perfect Wind Storm

Looking back, the entire tournament feels like a lesson about confidence.

I Want to Thank Myself

I think we all can learn a lot from this 19 year old.

#114 in the World to the Finals of the French Open

Coming into the 2026 French Open, 19 year old Maja Chwalinska was ranked #114 in the world.

The Most Valuable Asset

I venture to say that the most valuable asset in the world is not gold, but love.

There Is No Gene for the Human Spirit

There is no gene for the human spirit.

I Am Not of This World

In stillness and solitude I travel limitless within my soul.

Be Grateful for the Opportunity to Solve One’s Problems

The most important thing one can do before one’s feet hit the floor each day is to be grateful for the opportunity to solve one’s problems – And the realization that there will be more problems to solve tomorrow. And to find happiness within this.

The Millisecond of Truth

Pay close attention to these instantaneous flashes of truth.
They will guide your subconscious.
They will help you in your decision-making.
They will allow you to ‘truly know’ without a word being spoken.

When Circumstances Suddenly Change

When you’re winning, everything seems to go right.
When everything goes wrong, you fight.

Life on Earth

Maybe there are people on this earth who are undercover.
People who have been sent by a higher power.
People whose lives intertwine with ours for a brief time.
People who are sent into our lives at the exact moment we need them.

Today is my Birthday, but it is not the Day I Became Alive

Although I would do anything to change the circumstances that made me a member, I would never renounce my membership.

Life Is Not Always Beautiful

We live in a world where people put their best foot forward.
Where, from the outside looking in, everyone’s life seems perfect.

The Greatest Day of Your Life

Whatever day that may be in your life, will you know it at the time?

Applause Can’t Be Your Motivator

If applause is what drives you, silence will break you.

Check In on Your Athlete’s Mental State

Today, ask your wrestler how they are doing mentally, no matter how great they seem they be doing physically. Sometimes, superhuman athletes are far superior at being athletes than they are at being humans.

Change One Word and Change Your Life.

I get to

Trinidad Chambliss: From 0 Star Recruit to Ole Miss Star

The Eyes Don’t Lie.

I Don’t Care What the Rankings Say, You’re Not #1 Until You Become the Best.

Is your goal to be ranked #1 or to be the best?

The 2nd Best Time to Lose

The best time to lose is never.
The second best time to lose is…

Finding Belief Through Adversity: Insights from Ernie Johnson

A little more than a month ago life had finally kicked my ass.

Put an Arm Around Them and Coax Them Back.

If you see someone who has gone off course, put your arm around them and coax them back.

My Vision

Here is my vision for my life and for this blog

A Letter to My Ten-Year-Younger Self

Every life has a “Before and After” line in it, where your life has been one thing up until you reach a specific event and it suddenly then becomes something totally different.
You are approaching your line today,

Be the Fruit

Every block of stone has a statue inside it.
It is the task of the sculptor to discover it – Michelangelo

I Became a Wrestler, by LTC Matt Weingast

Perhaps the biggest pride I take in having wrestled is that I introduced the sport to my son.