Love is.
Written by Lincoln Korver
(From the Nat’l + Int’l Award-Winning Short Film, “Love is.”)
Love is a terrible thing.
It has been known to break hearts and ruin lives.
Love is what makes our lives so incredibly difficult.
I wasn’t always this cynical… Until she came into my life -- or left it, rather.
She was amazing. She took a world of black and white and filled it with the most spectacular colors incomparable to anything I had ever seen. She made the years before I met her seem so empty that I could hardly justify calling what I had as a life.
She made me whole.
She took the best time of my life and created with it an ache so unbearable that I knew I would never be willing to love again.
A lot has happened since then. People have come and others have gone.
There have been ups and downs but really, it’s all been a blur.
For as long as I can remember I’ve put my faith in just about everyone. I’ve trusted quickly and been let down even quicker. But this is not the fault of my past relationships. It’s not the fault of anybody because when has faith ever been a reason to punish someone?
I reminded myself that I shouldn’t feel guilty for being optimistic because one day, this will all be worth it… Right?
Well that’s what I told myself.
And although I wanted more than anything for this to be true, I never saw how it could be possible. I replayed these words in my head over and over but I just couldn’t seem to fully believe.
Until she came into my life.
And then it all began to make sense.
Some people say those who are willing to believe in humanity are foolish for trusting in something that is out of their control. But I like to think of it differently now.
You see, love is like trying to catch the perfect wave. Because although we never quite know what the outcome will be, the only way we’ll ever truly find out is by giving it everything we have in hopes to one day enjoy the ride of our life.
Love is a strange, magnificent, terrifyingly beautiful, painfully deadly, intangible, and unexplainable thing. It can be found at the depth of our soul and at the skyline of our imagination.
Love is what makes our lives so incredibly difficult. But love is also what makes our lives worth living.
And although it seemed like an eternity why I had to feel all of this pain, all I can say is…
Thank God that I did.
Tomorrow’s Yesterday
Written by Lincoln Korver
(Motivational Speech for Suicide Awareness Campaign)
Life is crazy, right?
It’s something that no matter how good or bad it gets, we can never pause, fast-forward, or rewind it — but instead our only option is to live out each day for nothing more or less than exactly what it is.
To play the hand we’re dealt, roll with the punches, and do our best to create something that will stand the test of time.
I really try to keep this in mind...
But sometimes when I find myself alone, I can’t help but ask, "Why?”
Of all the things I could be doing and the places I could be, why is it that I am here and for what purpose do I serve?
And as I settle into the silence of my body and the chaos of my mind, the answers I attempt to dig up only bring more questions to the surface.
Why do we strive so tirelessly for this thing that we’ve labeled as success? And why is it that when we get there, we’re less satisfied than we were before we even had it?
Well, all I can really say is that I’ve come to find that the concept of the present moment — right here and right now — is rarely acknowledged anymore.
Instead of embracing what we’re given today, we forfeit our reality in order to marginally enjoy it as a memory of tomorrow’s yesterday.
So while I sit within the whirlwind of these thoughts and realizations, I begin to focus on my own life and the decisions I’ve made, my mentors and enemies, neighbors and acquaintances, family, friends, and everyone in between.
And although this list might seem grand, I’d be at fault if I didn’t also recognize those who came before us -- the ones who are no longer here.
Because although life is crazy -- full of twists and turns -- leading us to places we never could have expected, what’s even crazier is the fact that one day, it will all come to an end, and there is nothing we can do about it.
So, what happens when we're gone?
And...
What is it that our presence on this earth is for?
Was it just to momentarily fill some space on this massive planet we reside?
Or maybe, just maybe… Could it be for a reason far greater.
Maybe the purpose of our presence isn’t just to fill space, but to fill the lives of those we’re lucky enough to spend a few moments with before our time is up. Making our reason to be here is much more substantial than the one lifetime we’re given, because every second we live is one more opportunity to add to the legacy we’re creating for those who have yet to come.
So how much of our soul is encapsulated by the memories others have of us? The lessons we teach, laughs we share, tears we’ve caused, and smiles we’ve helped create...
How much of that is us?
Although this is a question I would love to find the answer to, I think the more important thing is to learn how to accept the fact that we may never find it.
Yeah, we may never know what lies ahead or how we’ll be remembered.
And I’m okay with that now.
Because life is not about composing the best “tomorrow’s yesterday.” It’s about truly living out every single moment that we’re given in line with the reason we were made.
To give without wanting payment, to love without seeking gain.
To be a reflection of our creator’s light in a world that’s become far too comfortable with darkness.
Don’t let the present pass you by. Because...
Life is waiting for you.
Not yesterday or not tomorrow.
But right here, and right now.
Because life, is today.
Inspiration through Growth
Written by Lincoln Korver
(Giant Bicycles / Liv Cycling Campaign Video Script)
My name is Heather Munive, and I ride bikes for a living.
This is something I’ve dreamed of doing for as long as I can remember.
In fact, it still blows me away to think that I actually get to say this is my life, because it would be a lie to say the journey has been a smooth one.
But I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’d be crazy not to say it was worth it.
Something I’ve really been focused on lately is discovering why I decided to pursue such an unconventional life… And I think I’m finally starting to understand it now.
Before I started riding bikes, I would make decisions based on what I perceived was realistic and sensible - things that would lead me toward what I envisioned success to look like.
But something about that just felt off.
I realized that I had been chasing the idea of success but had left out the true meaning of it, which I’ve come to realize can be as simple as finding joy in the opportunity to do something we believe we were meant for.
Whether I’m approaching a massive incline on a road ride or looking down a mountain filled with what seems to be impossible terrain - all I can think of in that moment is “How can I do this better than last time?”
Not for recognition or awards, but for the sole purpose of wanting to do something that I love to the absolute best of my ability.
Because that is where growth happens.
The principles of riding have helped me learn more about life than I ever could have imagined.
When I’m faced with a steep climb -- I can practice determination and the will to never quit.
When I know there’s a challenging jump, drop, or obstacle ahead of me -- I can practice trust and confidence in my preparation and training.
When I reach victories -- I can practice humility and gratitude toward the people who helped me get there.
And when I experience pain and disappointment -- I can practice all of these things; reminding myself that our response to what life throws our way is often the only thing we have control over.
So for every ounce of sweat, every aching muscle, and every day that pushes me farther than I thought was possible, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, because without these things I would never grow... As an athlete, but more importantly, as a person.
Biking has taught me a lot throughout the years.
I’ve learned the importance of never giving up on my dreams.
I’ve learned that no matter what your passion is, a challenging day of doing what you love will always beat a great day of doing something you know isn’t right for you.
I’ve learned that a positive outlook, grateful attitude, and a generous life devoted to growth and helping others reach their goals are some of the most powerful things we can offer the world.
My name is Heather Munive, and I’m here to say dream big and never look back.
Live on, and live today.