You may have noticed a new feature in the side bar to the right called “send us your story”. Unlike html code and us women, it’s really not complicated. All you do is click on the link and use the email form that pops up to, well, send us your story.
Don’t be shy! If you have accomplished a dream, kicked some arse, overcome a challenge or achieved something you’re just plain proud of, then I’d love to hear from you. You might just hit the big time and see your name (and story) up in lights on Life, Laughs & Lemmings, or rather, hit the small time and see your name (and story) dimly lit by a torch with a failing battery. 
At the very least, you may inspire others, which is always a good thing.
As it happens, Cheryl from That Girl is Funny! is the first to send in a story. This is a perfect example of when you set your mind to something, crazy awesome things can happen…
How I Met Four Ultimate Fighting Championship Fighters
Last year, during the summer, someone challenged me to set a crazy goal – something I didn’t think was achievable. After giving it some thought, I came up with one. I’m a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts, particularly fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) franchise. Laughing, I told my friends “my goal is to meet 4 Ultimate Fighters before my next birthday” around 12 weeks away.
I made my list: Jorge “el Conquistador” Rivera, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian, Marcus “the Irish Hand Grenade” Davis and Matt “the Terror” Serra. Just for fun, I added Forrest Griffin to the list.
I googled Jorge Rivera. Bellingham, popped up. Hmm…Bellingham is about an hour from me. I giggled as I sent him an email, never expecting to hear back from him. A day later, I did! He was gracious and invited me down to try out one of the classes at his gym.
UFC Fighter, Jorge Rivera and Cheryl Ragsdale
I drove down to Bellingham and trained with Jorge. It was awesome! After class, I asked Jorge if I could have my picture taken with him – I needed proof, otherwise no one would believe me. Then he said, “stick around, TapouT’s coming.”
TapouT showed up!
What?! I was already giddy from meeting Jorge. I looked up and guess who was coming through the door! Skyskrape, Mask and Punkass, the guys from the Spike TV show, TapouT! With my mouth hanging open, I waved at Skyskrape and watched as a camera crew came in, followed by two of the fighters they were filming plus a fighter I’d seen on another TV series, The Ultimate Fighter, Patrick Schultz. Well, that was easy!
Skyskrape, Mask and Punkass watching guys sparring
Even though I hadn’t met the specific fighters on my list, I considered my goal achieved.
I treasure being around people who set goals and have something to strive for that other people think is crazy or impossible. Having goals gives you something interesting to talk about. People get inspired listening to your updates as you advance towards your goal.
Editor’s Note: Cheryl was later to meet another three UFC fighters; Kenny Florian (on her original list), Patrick Cote and Din Thomas. Evidence following…
UFC Fighter, Kenny Florian and Cheryl Ragsdale
UFC Fighter, Patrick Cote and Cheryl Ragsdale
Cheryl Ragsdale and Din Thomas, UFC Fighter
Now that’s what I call kicking some arse!
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Hello Sami! I love the “Send Us Your Story” idea!
Hello Cheryl,
The most awesome thing about this story, to me, is that everything that happened, including all the fighters you met, became a reality because you took action on a dream! You could have easily not sent that first e mail, convincing yourself it would never happen, but you didn’t! Great job Cheryl!
Hello Keith,
You’re so right about taking action. And I did go back and forth over sending the email. I’m so glad I did! What was also important was to keep taking the next step – even if it didn’t seem to make sense at the time. Luck, serendipity, right place – right time? Who knows. I really like how it’s all turned out.
Thank you so much for your comment,
Cheryl
Hi Sami,
Cool feature…from a very cool friend!! Awesome!!
Hi Cheryl,
Sometimes it’s just a matter of writing down our goals…and they start to magically happen. Well…not magically. But, because we’ve wrote them down, they’re much more likely to happen as they seem more “real” when written down. And how awesome the number of people you were able to meet – proof that if you dream it, you CAN achieve it!!
Hi Lance,
I’m a firm believer in writing down my goals. It helps to clarify what I’m really looking for in achieving the goal. Plus, I can then identify the steps to achievement and create a game plan for taking action. Action is the operative word. I found that as I ventured forth and actually told people that I wanted to meet 4 Ultimate Fighters, I had to deal with people laughing at such a “silly” goal. In hindsight, it wasn’t silly at all. I have to admit, it seemed silly to me too – I even said it like it was silly. Do you know what I mean?
Cheryl
@Cheryl
Hey Cheryl. Inspiring story. Thanks for it in!
@Keith & @Lance
Thanks guys! Glad you like it!