MARK BRAVO - MOMENTUM : 77 observations toward a life well lived.

Mark Bravo knows at an innate, spiritual level what it means to go the distance. As his book so eloquently illustrates, he gives everything he has to everything he doeswhether it be running, living, or loving. His book is a how-to guide on how to find your very own staying power, and as Mark shows us, it has everything to do with a joyful, can-do attitude which eventually takes you to the ultimate goal in life...finding your best self.

TRACY BRYAN

Director of Public Relations, Golden State Donor Services

Through this book, Mark taught me a key thing about life...you can still get to your destination even when you vary your pace to take in the world and meet the people along the way.

CHARLES HOWELL

Associate Chief Learning Officer, Writer, Philosopher

Momentum is a great book to use for daily inspiration each morning. Marks encouraging advice and wisdom starts my day off in a positive way. Coach Bravos book will hit home for athletes of all abilities.

AMY DOWNS

President/CEO-Allegiance Credit Union, Survivor of Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing, Ironman Finisher

Like most people, Ive had some setbacks on the road to achieving my goals. Coach Bravos book has not only been a map leading me back to where I left off, but also a reminder that the best time to startor start againis now. Momentum is an invaluable tool for anyone in pursuit of a high-quality life.

MARISSA HENNIGAN

National Writer, Content Producer, and Athlete

Momentum

Copyright 2018 by Mark Bravo

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

Mark Bravo will always try to accommodate speaking to a group, or appearing for a book signing or an interview. For more information or to book an appearance, contact Mark Bravo at:

or by phone at: (405) 824-8385

To order autographed copies online:

www.oklahomabooksonline.com/momentum

ISBN 978-1-63302-094-8

ISBN (eBook) 978-1-63302-095-5

This edition printed in 2018.

Publishing and Printing

by Total Publishing and Media (Tulsa, Okla.)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesnt serve the world. Theres nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

NELSON MANDELA

DEDICATION

It happens in a million different ways, and often unbeknownst at that moment to the giver, or receiver. I call it impact. I speak from experience here, having been touched on a grand scale by many people throughout my nearly 60 years, a number of whom are mentioned in the coming pages.

We are conditioned to think that the growing that goes on in life is reserved for the young. If so, then what Ive been telling my friends for some time has newfound validity; Im fifteen years late for everything! Whether youth is indeed wasted on the young, Yogi Berra had it right, when he infamously proclaimed: It aint over til its over. One never knows when a new path will arise, previously unanticipated, or when your passion will take over. At that precise moment, though, the way you perceive life, and the canvas of what you hope to offer the world begins to form its artwork.

To all my athletes, who continue to raise my game. I hope Ive lent as much to yours. Elite weekend warriors, and those who never dreamed theyd cover one mile. You all continue to encourage me by your spirit, fortitude, and stick-to-itiveness. You teach this coach a lot, foremost that you can always take another step. You were instrumental in my penning this book.

To contributors to this book, who either by their actions, examples, or writings have helped form its evolution. And to my band of brothers, the tight-knit group of buddies from the dormitory years at Oklahoma University. To say Im proud of our nearly 40-year friendship is a massive understatement. Long live Jordan House!

To my family: to a person one couldnt find more encouragement, not only in pursuing this book, but throughout my whole life. My three sisters, Joan, Jan, and Vikki, who had to endure their little brother having his own bedroom when they didnt. To Joan, and her husband, Mike, the first book authors in the family. May you continue changing the world with your Respect Diversity Foundation. Your twins: Michelle, Im so proud of you for your quiet, gentle way of adding to the world around you, and Josh, who hits home runs for us all every day. As much as anyone, youre a template to a life well-lived.

To Jan, the first doctor in the family (dont worry; I wont be the second). May you forever feel as deeply about what you believe in as now, and your heart of gold always be nurtured. Thanks for watching all the games with me; may there be many more. And Vikki, the angel of the family, who does for others as it would be drawn up in an instruction manual, with no concern for what comes back to her. Unassuming, Vikki upholds unique standards. Her 90/10 rule means 90 percent of what she does is for others, and maybe 10 percent for herself. I long ago realized I could try forever to emulate you and never get there. Always know, though, that the lesson is learned. And Gerry, my brother-in-law, who has added so much to our family. I anxiously await our next in-depth conversation. Better siblings than you I cant imagine.

To my Uncle Joe, who lived life on his own terms. There were tribulations at times, but nothing made him waver from living it, like the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, who looked a lot like him, his way!

To my Father, of whom youll read in the coming pages; I hope youre aware of your greatest lesson to me: Showing the way, not talking about it. You made being a Bravo mean a great deal to me, and I try always to uphold that standard in a way that would make you quietly smile, as you always did when I knew something had meaning to you. We miss you greatly.

And my mother. Ruth Bravos presence is felt wherever she goes, and like most of the great ones, she doesnt even know it. As the one out front as a parent, you showed me what unwavering love for family really means, and never more so than in Dads last years. Im so grateful the three of us worked together so long, and that you gave me the easy payment plan when you won the majority of our football bets, which was always the case. Thank you for always encouraging me, and when things didnt go well, never reprimanding, only guiding. I love you and miss you very much.

And finally, to the one who occupies a spot no one else has: Leslie. No Weve only just begun renditions, as I feel Ive known you most of my life. You married a fifty-one-year-old kid, and on that day gave him the honor of entering a family that includes your five boys and eleven grandchildren (and counting). Youre breathtaking, and everyone sees that, but its not what brought us here: you touch my heart in ways no one ever has. The dozen-year journey we took that led to our wedding under the chuppah had as many valleys as peaks, and for that Im grateful. In a way, my life began when I told you how I saw our lives playing out (we werent even dating). The change came when you actually listened. Ill try always to make you happy you made that call!