Never die easy

Have you ever read a motivation story that demonstrated courage and dignity under the worst possible circumstances? I have. It's the story of Walter Payton's last weeks. If you do not know who Walter Payton was - he was a great runningback for the Chicago Bears NFL football team. While his background may not be familar to you, his story will touch and help you.

In 1999, Walter Payton contracted a rare liver disease along with an even rarer form of cancer. His prognosis was bleak. He was going to die. He was only 45 years old.


How does a person deal with something like this? Walter Payton, along with Don Yeager, wrote a book called Never Die Easy. It shares inspiring lessons that can help you - as you, hopefully, face a less daunting challenge than Mr. Payton did.

As with most professional athletes, I'm sure Walter Payton recognized the importance of good nutrition and staying fit. Therefore, his diagnosis must have proved shocking.

If you want to read the details of his last days, as well as an autobiography of this life, then I recommend you read his book. It will touch you emotionally. However, I want to focus on the inspiring lessons Walter Payton's ordeal teaches.

A motivation story such as Walter Payton's offers many inspiring lessons to draw from. For instance:


No matter how bleak your circumstances, you do not have to be a victim. You can find courage to live the days you have to the best of your ability. Unlike Mr. Payton, you have another chance. Take it.
Never take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. So appreciate what you have. Always remember that you are no better than anyone else and that every opportunity you have to meet someone is an opportunity to leave a piece of yourself. Every moment you have matters, so act like it.
If you don't have good health, you have nothing. So don't take your physical or mental health for granted. Cherish you. This is your only shot at it.
Never die easy. This was Walter Payton's life motto. He learned this message from his college football coach. It means, never give up or die without trying - without giving your best. You might have to face painful stuff head on, but do it. Never make it easy for the negative stuff in life to consume you. Fight. Be strong. Show courage.
As I summarize Mr. Payton's message. I want to say thank you Walter Payton for sharing your motivation story. Your story provided inspiration for me as I dealt with my brain tumor. As for you, I hope, in some small way, you too can find inspiration from this inspiring story as you deal with stuff in your life.