Jake Olson - Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life

PRAISE FOR OPEN YOUR EYES

Jake Olson has been a source of tremendous inspiration for me since I met him, Emma, Brian, and Cindy, that fall day in 2009 in the middle of the Notre Dame field. Since then, and through the course of three features Ive done with them and producer Nancy Devaney, I have learned how faith and love can enrich your life. Mine certainly has been because of the Olson family. And now, with Open Your Eyes, I can turn to any page on any given day and learn that lesson all over again. It is beautiful to read.

SHELLEY SMITH, REPORTER, ESPN

As I read the first chapter I was immediately drawn into Jakes writing, his spirit, and his passion. If you or anyone you know needs some hope or inspiration for their own lives, you need to buy this book. This story gave me hope as I read through the pages and I took a look at my own life in comparison to Jakes. Jake taught me so many valuable life lessons. This book will truly make you think and remind you that if you have the faith you can overcome anything.

CHAD HYMAS, AUTHOR OF DOING WHAT MUST BE DONE, HALL OF FAME SPEAKER

The story of Jake Olson and others not only uplifts the soul, but strengthens ones resolve to handle adversity with faith, vision, and a positive outlook. A very remarkable book about a very remarkable boy. I highly recommend it to everyone.

HYRUM SMITH, COFOUNDER, FRANKLINCOVEY

2013 by Jake Olson and McKay Christensen

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ISBN 978-0-529-10269-0 (IE)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Olson, Jake, 1997

Open your eyes : 10 uncommon lessons to discover a happier life / Jake Olson, McKay Christensen.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-4002-0581-3

1. Happiness. 2. Success. I. Title.

BF575.H27O47 2013

248.4dc23 2013021616

Printed in the United States of America

13 14 15 16 17 RRD 6 5 4 3 2 1

This book is dedicated to Brian, Cindy, and Emma Olson. Thank you for your example, courage, and love.

CONTENTS

by Coach Pete Carroll

Suffering is not a prerequisite for happiness.

JUDY TATELBAUM

I t didnt take long for Jake Olson to become one of us. In the fall of 2009, Jakes heart-wrenching story was brought to our attention at USC, just before he had the surgery that took away his vision. Jake was twelve years old and a huge Trojan fan, so we wanted to do anything we could to lift his spirits and give him some special memories. He and his family came to one of our midweek practices to get a behind-the-scenes look at our team, and many of our players immediately fell in love with him. They all joined together to chant his name when he came to the team meeting that day, something that will echo inside all of us forever. It also didnt take long for us to become so inspired by that extraordinarily precocious blond-haired kid from Orange County.

Just before his final surgery, Jake and his family joined us on the field for our road game at Notre Dame. We ended up pulling out a narrow victory that night in South Bend, Indiana, as Jake fired up the offensive line pregame and got to celebrate with us after the memorable win. He also came alongside us for a home game at the Coliseum shortly thereafter, and we were all woven together from then on. Jakes will to overcome his challenges had lit a fire inside all of us, and we were so grateful for the opportunity to have our paths align, a journey that continues to this day, even as Jake grows into a rising star in high school and as Ive moved to coach in Seattle.

In football we talk a lot about competing, and Jakes living it out on a daily basis. Hes fought to rise above circumstances that most others would run from or be crushed by. Hes shown that nothing can hold him backnot countless surgeries, not blindness, not youth. Jake is the ultimate competitor, the pinnacle compliment in our football world and one that applies so precisely to him. Not only has Jake powered through his challenges, but hes become better for it and touched thousands of lives in the process. Hes a natural leader, an eloquent speaker, a hilarious jokester, and a gifted athlete (have you seen his golf swing?!). And all this at age sixteen. Simply incredible and so inspirational.

Jake has pioneered what a triumphant life looks like. Hes set an example for how to rise above challenges. Hes overcome so much, and I have a feeling hes just getting warmed up. Were all excited to see where Jake goes from herewith all hes accomplished so far, no one should be surprised when he plays as the first blind golfer in the Masters. Keep fighting on, Jake. Were cheering as you continue to inspire us all.

Pete Carroll

Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks

W hen I met Jake Olson in 2010, I was astounded at his uncommon faith. He has never known, until recent months, a life without cancer. Yet, instead of beating Jake down or leaving him helplessly dependent, cancer has made him strong and confident. He emerged from his battle with this merciless disease without his eyesight, but not blind. Not even close. He has used it as a springboard to soar into a rich and fulfilling life. Jakes story is inspiring, and within this story there are stirring lessons about how to open your eyes to a happy life.

Recently, I undertook a significant research study among North American adults to determine why only a small percentage of people can see their way through life with ease, and why many others seem blind or stuck, unable to progress. The research proved that our ability to see past our current circumstance and live by faith outweighed all other factors in determining happiness. Just like Jake Olson, those who were most mature and happy had confidence theyd persevere despite lifes present challenges. The difference between happy and unhappy people comes down to a few simple things.

In this book, Jake and I will share these simple secrets to happiness. In the first chapters, youll read Jakes story. In the chapters that follow, youll read many other inspiring stories as Jake and I share simple concepts anyone can use to open their eyes to a happier way of life. In each chapter, as we talk about these concepts, Jake and his family give personal insights as to how theyve applied them in their lives and family.

As we worked on this book, I was surprised at Jakes writing prowess. Hes quick and thorough. He can articulate his thoughts clearly and concisely. Hes written this book while getting top grades in school, playing football, taking golf lessons, learning to play the guitar, and facing life without physical sight for the first time. In short, his skill and effort are inspiring.