Echoes of Sparta: Football Lessons for Life’s Challenges
Here at Kefi Life Headquarters we align ourselves with people who care about well being and have a thirst for adventure. Our lifestyle is a combination of exploration and implementation plus sharing.
Today I wish to share a story of heritage and life lessons through the game of football.
Football season is here and it is a huge part of my family. My husband played D1 football and so does my son Jimmy now a Utah State Aggie. I’m so proud to see how he’s embraced the virtues of tenacity, perseverance and how he handles adversity.
Indeed Jimmy has incredible role models like brothers Jack, Brian and Matt Allen who played D1 and NFL football. These tough and focused brothers each played at the same university, more on that in a minute.
Football and all sports require virtues that mirror life practices. Its rewarding to see valuable disciplines and principles practiced by young athletes, including my son.
The mental training can be applied by anyone of us to help us excel in life.
For my son Jimmy, I see the benefits of practicing and implementing mental toughness and tenacity on the football field. This growth allows him to make smarter decisions, and it guides him throughout his life.
Mental toughness, courage and tenacity are traits for all of us to embody.
These virtues were played out on the battle field of Thermopylae when the 300 Spartan soldiers fought the 12,000 Persian soldiers and won. When you read about the event, the outcome is almost unfathomable.
The lesson of the Spartans; to critically think, plan and put on your armour for the good of your people.
Last July my husband and I visited the Peloponnese where my family is from, and we traveled to the battle grounds of Thermopylae in that region. We felt the very impact and legacy of this centuries old battle. Walking the gates and seeing the statue of the legendary Leonides brought chills to our bones.
Today, this location still symbolizes the valiant virtues of courage, strategy and mental toughness, which the Spartan men possessed that day in battle in the year 480 BC.
Powerful in every way, this ancient Spartan legacy transcends world wide, even in modern day East Langsing, Michigan.
Here in this American midwest town, the Michigan State Football team got a blast from the past when they embraced the Spartan name and spirit.
So, how did a Greek group of primitive warriors inspire a Michigan football team to honor them with a namesake?
A fortuitous conversation with my social media director Morgan Scofes revealed the Spartan football legacy of her great grandfather – Stephen Scofes. It’s a timeless and heartwarming story you must hear when tuning into Kefi Life episode 205 this week.
Discover how all of us are tied together for the greater good of courage, strong mental fitness and perseverance.
In the meantime,
May you be Ola Kala !
Kiki