From 18-23 years old, I wrestled at Lock Haven University. I was a typical college kid. Initially take aback by the freedom and choices I now had (mostly the fact that I could eat pizza and drink Pepsi all day every day was enough for me), I never strayed far from my core values. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was living a certain code—I did certain things and I didn’t do certain things. I did’t necessarily know why I did or didn’t do those things, I simply made choices and lived my life the best I could.
My wrestling coach at the time, Rocky Bonomo, is as charismatic a person as you could ever imagine. If Youtube and video phones were around back then, Rock and his twin brother, Rick, would be Internet sensations. They are as lively and funny as anyone I’ve ever met. They would host the “Rick and Rock” show at the conclusion of every wrestling camp, with slow-motion moves, “ninja” pushups, and much more. Rock even gave me the nickname “Spaniard.”
(Rocky Bonomo, pictured far right)
During and after wrestling practice, Rock always used to recite this “thing” that I didn’t really understand. I heard it, but never really “got” it. Now, at 34 years old, with occasional gray hairs and body hair popping up all over, I get what he was saying…
“There are two pains in life, gentleman. The pain of self-discipline and the pain of regret.”
I’ve been very fortunate to be living the pain of self-discipline more than the pain of regret. The choices aren’t always easy, but they are worth it in the long run.
Indulge yourself in a little pain—the good kind. The pain of self-discipline.
What is one choice you could make today that would support living the pain of self-discipline rather than the pain of regret?
-Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Latest videos
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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