JohnA Passaro's Blog, page 11
August 19, 2020
Life Is Not Always Beautiful
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We live in a world where people put their best foot forward.
Where, from the outside looking in, everyone’s life seems perfect.
A world which teaches us to keep whatever is bothering us, whatever issues, problems, or demons we might be dealing with private as not to risk looking like we don’t have our life together.
Why do we need to do this?
To struggle is the one constant in all of our lives.
To struggle is to be human.
Struggles are real.
We all have them.
And I would attest that if we shared our struggles, openly and honestly, we all would benefit.
Having the knowledge that nobody has a perfect life and we are all struggling in one way or another would help so many people in their lives.
I have learned when I am most authentic, people appear in my life whom I need to meet.
I don’t initially know the reason why, but eventually, with time, it is revealed to my soul.
I have learned, at times, I am part of my journey, and at other times I am here to help others with theirs.
The only part I haven’t figured out as of yet, is, which is happening, when.
We need each other.
We can’t do it alone.
Add people to your life with whom you can be yourself.
And in return, they will be themselves with you.
And, together, we all will have a better chance of getting through this chaos.
Life Is Not Always Beautiful
Is a book excerpt from:
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August 18, 2020
When You Can’t Do Anymore You Still Have More to Give
Before you quit,
Try.
Ernest Hemingway
Do you remember doing leg lifts in practice?
I do.
“We’re going to do ten one-minute leg raises, with 30 seconds rest in between sets,” my high school coach would yell out at the end of practice.
The first eight sets would hurt, but I was able to do them without having to reach down.
But by the ninth set, my core would ache, my body would tremble, and time would stand still.
But somehow, I got through it.
After the ninth torturous set, my coach finally yelled, “Down.”
The final 30 seconds of rest seemed non-existent.
“Up,” my coach demanded for the last time.
“Hold ‘em.”
“Hold ‘em,” my coach would encourage us as he knew most of us were at our breaking points still with time remaining.
“30 seconds to go.”
Half the room started to cheat by putting their hands under their hips for leverage.
The other half shimmied from side to side to transfer the pain,
“Hold ‘em,” my coach went on.
24 of the 30 wrestlers in the room dropped their legs down with a thump and a groan precisely at the one-minute mark. They didn’t wait for coaches call of “Down,” they were counting down every second remaining themselves.
“Hold ‘em,” my coach yelled out, ignoring the wrestlers who dropped their legs on their own at the 1-minute mark and concentrated on the remaining wrestlers willing to go past their mental boundaries.
“Hold ‘em,” he continued.
Another minute past.
“You got this,” he encouraged.
Two more wrestlers had enough and dropped their legs.
Sweat exuded from my forehead as I clenched down with such intensity.
“Hold ‘em; you can’t drop now you’ve come this far.”
Another two wrestlers ignored his advice and dropped their legs two minutes past the originally forecasted time.
They rolled over in pain and regret.
Now there are only two wrestlers left.
And I am one of them.
We are both well past our expectations to the pain of the torture of going past the promised time.
It is now 1 on 1.
“There is no way I am going to work this hard and then let someone beat me.”
“There was no way I am going to suffer just to come in second,” I say to myself in my mind.
I knew I’d never remember the suffering after I won, and I would always be acutely aware of it if I didn’t.
There is no way I’m going to drop my legs now.
I’ve already suffered.
Now I want the prize.
At the 5-minute mark, I catch my 2nd wind.
I focus my mind and concentrate on a happy place.
Suddenly, I am lying on the beach, soaking in the sun.
I feel like I can go on forever.
That feeling lasts only a minute.
At the 6-minute mark, intense fatigue takes over.
I feel like I can’t hold up my legs for another second.
I no longer can feel my lower extremities.
I am beyond pain.
I am numb to suffering.
I hear a thud.
Someone’s legs have hit the ground, hard with a massive release.
I pray they weren’t mine.
I unclench my eyes.
It wasn’t me.
My legs are still a micro inch off the mat.
The other wrestler finally conceded, he elected to suffer and take 2nd place.
I refused to.
“You can drop your legs now,” my coach yells out.
I catch my 3rd wind.
“If I’ve gone this far, I might as well go further,” I answer.
“I’ve done all this work. There will never be another time that I will have this much work put in so I might as well see how far I can go.”
Just a few seconds ago I didn’t know if I could go on for another second, now suddenly, I have more to give.
So, I do.
[image error] Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels
They say when someone is stranded at sea wandering in the middle of nowhere, with no hope of rescue or energy left to survive even one more second, that they get revitalized when land off the horizon suddenly becomes visible to their eye.
It doesn’t matter that the land viewed off the horizon is at the very least, eight miles away.
Eight miles is a significant distance.
It requires significant energy to swim eight miles.
It doesn’t matter.
Now the mind is locked in on its targets.
Land is visible.
It’s doable.
And with the resurgence of energy, of will, of determination, rescue is believed to be within reach.
When you get to the point of feeling you can’t do anymore, keep your eye open for land on the horizon.
You will have more to give.
This is a chapter excerpt from
Wrestling Rules for Life
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Get Dollamur 10×10 wrestling mats for your home
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August 15, 2020
Lose 100 Matches
To become the best wrestler that you can be you must first lose 100 matches.
That goes for a wrestler of any level.
Seek the best competition.
Compete in the best tournaments.
Develop a rival.
An arch-rival.
One who will make you stay up at night developing ways to beat him.
Become your best.
Then have your heart broken after a tough loss when it dawns on you that you need to get better.
Then get better.
Get better with a sense of urgency knowing your high school career clock is ticking.
Eventually, after years of this process, the losses from great competitors will surge you to the top of your game.
Get your feelings hurt when better competition makes you realize that you’re not as good as you think you are.
Then do something about it.
And become even better.
———
Are you looking to improve your nutrition?
Get Bulletproof coffee with MCT oil to power your brain and curb snacks. I only endorse products I use and believe in. This is an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy some, I will get a small royalty which will help support this site.
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August 7, 2020
The Wrestlers Hallway of Heartbreak
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Can’t Get to the Gym?
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August 6, 2020
18 Nutrient Rich Foods Every Wrestler Must Know About
What separates good wrestlers from great wrestlers is not technique, it is nutrition.
The sooner a wrestler understands this the sooner they will be on the path to becoming elite.
Nutrition is about providing your body with the nutrients it needs to become great.
It is not about dieting or going without. It is the exact opposite, it is about researching what foods will provide your body with fuel it craves to get to the next level and providing your body with them.
The way a wrestler looks at nutrition is important.
Most wrestlers deprive their bodies of food and water and wonder why their performance is not optimal, why they are always in a bad mood and why they are constantly getting sick.
By looking at nutrition as a way of providing fuel to your brain and muscles, protecting and boosting your immune system and a way of providing recovery nutrients to your body one then has to seek out foods that will do such.
Here are 18 nutrient rich foods that every wrestler should implement into their nutrition plan.
Virtually all of these are USDA Organic – Non-GMO certified foods.
For full disclosure as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I only endorse products I believe in.
Each of these 18 products I have used or am using and each have made a significant improvement in my life.
WATER
Recommended Product – Essentia 9.5 PH Water
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Because of this, some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body.
Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9.
Essentia Water has a 9.5 PH level.
A recent study found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after consuming high-pH water compared to regular water after a strenuous workout. Viscosity is the direct measurement of how efficiently blood flows through the vessels.
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Immune system supportHydration and detoxifying propertiesWeight loss
Apple Cider Vinegar
Recommended Brand – Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered With the Mother
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May aid in weight lossMay aid in treatment and prevention of RingwormMay strengthen immune systemMay aid in reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugarMay aid in reducing sore throat
Recommended Brand – Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
If the straight Apple Cider Vinegar is too strong for your liking, here is a great way to get the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar in a Gummy form.
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Fish Oil
Recommended Brand – Carlson’s Fish Oil
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are extremely important to brain health.
Adding a healthy assortment of fatty fish to your diet is beneficial to your health.
A daily tablespoon of fish oil is a great way to make sure you are getting the benefits of a fish diet.
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids are considered brain food.Omega 3’s may fight depression and anxiety and may reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.Omega 3’s fight inflammation.Omega 3’s may improve sleep
MCT OIL
Recommended Brand – Garden of Life 100% Organic Coconut MCT Oil
What is a wrestlers most important body part?
It is their brain.
Every reaction on the mat is generated from your brain.
Having a brain that sends out signals to the body in an optimal time frame is of vital importance to a wrestler. Most wrestlers “Cut Weight” and deprive their body of vital nutrients and water and wonder why they aren’t performing at peak levels.
MCT Oil is Brain fuel.
Your brain weighs less than 2% of your body weight but uses 20% of your body’s fuel.
Your brain is run on fats and oils.
A healthy brain translates to peak athletic performance.
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Designed for athletes looking for a fast burst of energy.MCT Oil is considered Brain fuelSupports healthy weight lossAids gut health.Supports cognitive health.May Increase exercise performance
Recommended Product – Bulletproof Coffee with Collagen Protein
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Lasting energy with 0 sugar15g Collagen Protein Brain Octane MCT oil is used to power your brain and curbs snack attacks. Butter from grass-fed cows boasts higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Recommended Product – Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars
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12g Collagen Protein2g sugarBrain Octane MCT oil – quality fat for sustained energy.
Royal Bee Jelly/Honey
Recommended Brand – YS Royal Bee Jelly/Honey
Royal Bee Jelly/Honey is a “super food” of the Queen Bee.
It is specially blended with enzymes and fed to each bee destined to become a queen. It is the exclusive food of the queen bee throughout her highly productive life, enabling her to lay up to 3,000 eggs per day during her six-year lifespan. Worker bees eating ordinary honey live only four to six weeks.
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Boosts immune systemImproves MetabolismReduces InflammationAids Weight Loss
Probiotic
Recommended Brand – Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
It is thought that we each have two brains. One in our head and one in our gut, hidden in the walls of the digestive system. This “brain in your gut” is revolutionizing medicine’s understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health and even the way you think.
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Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut that support your digestive health, immune health.There is a suspected health benefit between the health of your gut and the health of your brain.
Whey Protein
Recommended Brand – Raw Organic Whey Protein
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Only 1 ingredient – 100% Organic Grass Fed whey protein from the milk of jersey cows that graze freely on lush, green pastures year round.
Superfoods
Recommended Brand – Terrasoul Acai Powder
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Acai berries contain amino acids which help promote muscle performance, energy production, endurance and strength.Loaded with antioxidantsHigh in fatty acidsGreat to add to smoothiesPromotes regularity
Recommended Product – Terrasoul Organic Golden Berries
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Resembling a golden raisin but with a flavor that is distinctively sweet and tart, golden berries are one of the most nutrient-dense super fruits.
Recommended Product – Terrasoul Raw Organic Cacoa Powder
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Contains Polyphenols which improve blood flow to your brain and brain FunctionMay improve mood and symptoms of depressionMay aid in weight control
Recommended Product – Terrasoul Organic Sun-dried White Mulberries
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Powerful AntioxidantHigh in fiber which will aid in your digestionDense source of proteinGreat to add to smoothies
Recommended Product – Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Walnuts
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Supports Healthy BrainHigh Omega – 3 Fatty AcidsWalnuts are rich in polyphenols, they help your immune system fight different diseasesWalnuts contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, so having some walnuts during dinner will lead to a restful sleep at night.
Recommended Product – SB Premium Juicy Large Organic Goji Berries
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Provides immune system supportMay improve depression, anxiety and sleepConvenient to add to smoothies
Immune System Support
Recommended Product – Certified Organic Echinacea Root Liquid Extract
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Boosts the immune systemEffective for sore throats Anti-inflammatoryImproves mental health
Recommended Product – Ceylon Cinnamon
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Supports brain healthHigh in antioxidantsPromotes healthy blood flowEases ADHD symptomsImproves metabolismEffective in fighting viral infections
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July 30, 2020
The Price of Gold
HBO’s The Price of Gold is a must watch for all parents of athletes.
It is a documentary of life after Olympic competition. How so many Olympians get depressed when they come back from the Olympics.
Michael Phelps was asked,
Why don’t you just get help?
He answered,
“Well, there are a lot of reasons.
Probably the biggest is connected to what got us to the top in the first place.
Our conviction that we could make ourselves unbeatable if we just work at it.
Our belief that there is just no way that we should ever need help.
Our fear that we will become weak if we show any vulnerability.
The stigma of having mental health problems is a huge issue all across society.
Olympian’s are definitely a group that want to keep their pain out of sight.”
Sasha Cohen:
“Athletes don’t get help with mental health because they can’t even admit it is and issue.
That is so fundamentally at odds with being a competitor.
This is war.
It is a game of strategy, it is a game of maneuvering and posturing.
You need to show the world that you are strong.
You need to show all your competitors that you are strong.

And if you were to say, I have mental health issues, that just cracks the facade of trying to show the world that you’re impervious.”
Lolo Jones
“Athletes just don’t talk about our weaknesses. We’re tough, we’ll hide anything we don’t want anyone to know what we are going through.”
Gracie Gold
“Being an Olympian is advertised as this amazing thing and they leave out all of the side effects.
Almost like a disconnect from the real world.
They advertise to keep the athlete healthy and happy, but they really only deliver physically.”
Michael Phelps
“I don’t think anyone asked us if we were okay. As long as we were performing I don’t think anything else mattered.”
David Boudia
“They did a phenomenal job of how do I mentally stay strong in my sport.
But, not once have I got wisdom of how to stay strong outside of my sport.”
Well worth the watch.
Athletes are human.
Super human athletes are human also.
Ask your wrestler if he is okay.
No matter how good he is physically.
July 26, 2020
What Does It Take?
If I were to ask you at the beginning of the season what you would do to achieve your goal this year, I bet you would have answered,
“I’ll do whatever it takes.”
I know things haven’t gone as you had planned, there has been a cruel twist to your season, to your career.
But your original answer was correct.
You need to do whatever it takes.
Remember you didn’t say,
I’ll do what was convenient,
or easy or common, you said,
“I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Nobody could have planned for this.
Everybody is dealing with the same circumstances.
There is no handicap.
There reaches a point in a wrestler’s career where a wrestler realizes there is more to wrestling than wins and losses. More than tournament championships, more than All-American status, more than National championships.
You see, all those accolades were against another opponent.
There reaches a time when a wrestler realizes that a wrestler’s real opponent is himself.
To be able to push himself to limits he never thought possible under circumstances he could never have imagined.
That’s the real prize.
To have the inner knowledge of knowing that he did everything that he could do in pursuit of his goal no matter what evil twist was thrown at him.
That nothing could stop his forward momentum.
When you get to the realization that there wasn’t one more thing that you could have done, you win.
When a wrestler reaches this point of inner knowledge he achieves something greater than any title or accolade.
He achieves the inner peace of knowing that no matter what happens in life he is unbreakable.
No matter the circumstances he will continue to always move forward.
If there is one more thing you can do
Do it.
That’s what it takes.
————
JohnA Passaro
Inside Greatness
Pre-Order a limited edition copy now.
Signed and numbered X/100
bit.ly/Preorder_Inside_Greatness_Paperback
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July 19, 2020
My Mission & Vision
Here is my vision for this blog and my work:
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.
All Books by JohnA Passaro
Every Breath is Gold Memoir Series
6 Minutes Wrestling with LifeAgainYour Soul KnowsStrange Angels
Other Memoir
A Good Man
Wrestling Books
Inside GreatnessWrestling Rules for LifeWrestling WritingChoiceDominate
Life Books
In the Eye of the Storm
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Facing the Music
I’ve stopped watching professional sports a long time ago, I much prefer the purity of amateur sports, here is a prime reason why.
The Dodgers are selling the rights to fans to put their cardboard faces in seats during the quarantine.
Only $299.
To not go to a game.
Show me the way to a bug infested back field somewhere where I can witness a 10 year old falling in love with a great game.
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July 13, 2020
How Would You Beat Yourself?
If you had to wrestle a match against yourself,
How would you beat yourself?
Within lies your practice plan.
Inside Greatness – 100 Questions Every Wrestler Must Answer In Pursuit of Becoming a Champion
bit.ly/Preorder_Inside_Greatness_Pape...
Expected shipping date August 15th, 2020
100 Limited Edition signed and numbered copies
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