Julie's Jaunts

Tim Moellering in plaid shirt

Baseball teaches us about winning and losing, and other important life lessons. Perhaps the best summary of life lessons is “Tim Moellering’s Top Ten Rules to Live By.” As a youth baseball coach, educator and mentor, Tim influenced and inspired kids and adults.

Tim’s “Top Ten Rules” are many people’s refrigerators – including ours. So here they are, back by popular demand.

TIM MOELLERING’S TOP TEN RULES TO LIVE BY

These rules were passed out at the Memorial Service for Tim held January 29, 2011, at Willard Middle School in Berkeley, California.

(1) Have empathy for everyone.

- If you remember or read Tim’s favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” you’ll learn from Atticus Finch. “Crawl in someone’s else’s skin and walk around in it.”

(2) Tell the truth.

– When you tell the truth you have less to remember. You know you never lied and eventually everyone will trust you.

(3) Be reliable.

- Do what you say you are going to do, even if it means showing up on time. People will trust you.

(4) Assume positive intent.

– Assume everything everyone does is with good intentions. If they are incompetent, so be it, but it doesn’t hurt you to assume they are doing their best. You will be able to understand their actions when you don’t judge.

(5) Be physically active.

– Better than any drugs. It’s fun; it can be a big boon in your social life. If you are running an errand, walk or ride a bike because you will feel better. It may not be obvious at first, but it adds up.

(6) Just do it.

– If the choice is between sitting around and doing nothing or doing something, do something every single time.

(7) Don’t blame anyone.

– THIS IS KEY. No one is to blame for anything. Only you can change what you do. If you blame someone else then you can’t solve the problem…instead, you are telling someone else to solve the problem. If you don’t blame other people then you will be able to take control.

(8) Your possessions can be replaced.

– People are obsessed with their possessions. It’s a terrible way of living by letting your possessions control you. When you let go of your possessions, you become free. There’s little relationship between wealth and happiness.

(9) Carpe Diem.

– “Seize the day.” Accomplish something everyday, otherwise you are wasting your time. There’s always something wonderful to experience, go do it.

(10) Solve your problems.

– Some people like to have problems so that they have something to complain about. Don’t waste your time. It also gives you something to do, something to strive for.

TIM MOELLERING NORTH OAKLAND LITTLE LEAGUE (NOLL)

Tim Moellering Juniors-Seniors Scholarship Fund

If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to continue Tim’s legacy of leadership and service to our local youth, please make a check payable to “NOLL-SOLL Tim Moellering Scholarship” and mail it to the league address:

North and South Oakland Little Leagues

PO Box 11383, Oakland, CA 94611

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2011/01/24/memorial-service-for-tim-moellering-set-for-saturday/