About "Don't Stomp the Cheese"

"Don't stomp the cheese" is one of my favorite sayings as a diving coach. The "cheese" refers to the area at the end of the diving board that has holes in it (like Swiss Cheese) to allow water to drain through and makes the board lighter and faster. A good diver will land softly on this part of the board as they prepare for takeoff. This is critical because you need to be in a good rhythm with the board, or "ride" it, to ensure the most momentum on takeoff. If you "stomp the cheese," you will not be absorbing that energy to put to good use, you will disrupt the rhythm of the board and pretty much eliminate the potential for a good dive.
I named my blog after this concept because, as it turns out, this is a pretty good metaphor for life. If you treat others (and yourself) with respect and strive to build a good relationship with them, good things will happen in return. Think of it as the "Golden Rule" of diving.
Now, maybe more than ever, I see the importance of this. As our economy continues to suffer and times look, and are, tough, we must not forget the things that are most important to us. For me, my relationships (with God, family, friends, coworkers, etc.) mean more now. Money can't buy friendship or family or faith. The value of a good conversation or helping hand can't be weighed in gold or green. We must be committed to putting our hearts and souls into these relationships. The give and take of life is essential, not just the take.
As you go forth with your day, and the days ahead, remind yourself of what's most important in your life. Remember, that like jumping a diving board, or anything in life for that matter, you will only get out of it what you put into it. And to get the most of life you have to be willing to put a lot into it. Before you complain about you're pay cut or the lost value of your stocks think about the relationships that you have and what the value of those are.
Money, jobs, possessions, they all come and go. The things and people that matter most will never leave us, so long as we remember: "Don't stomp the cheese."