Behind The Lens On The “Bad” Brad Berkwitt Show with Guest BJ “The Beast” Harlin

By Debbie “D2” Edwards

“If it was easy, everybody would do it!” This is the saying that Professional MMA Fighter BJ ‘The Beast” Harlin lives by. That saying resonates with me because I see the value in sacrifice and work ethic. And while we as a society have progressed in some ways, there seems to be a deficiency in those values that enrich our lives.

Harlin is a professional MMA Fighter. He is also former military and father to two young boys. He also works full-time at a Boy’s Home. To say that he is dedicated is an understatement. He trains at times that most people are asleep. Yet, I did not discern an ounce of regret or unwillingness. When the subject of training hours arose, he merely chuckled and stated “you gotta go get it!”

Normally, the content of my “Behind The Lens” is primarily relegated to what was discussed during the interview segment. Today, however, I will veer from that normal pattern because there is so much that goes on behind the scenes. BJ eluded to it when he thanked his family, training team, and sponsors. I would like to reflect on the humility, the gratitude, and the camaraderie that I observed while the camera wasn’t rolling.

A lot of what we as society value can be measured monetarily. However, the most valuable things that we give to one another cannot be measured in that manner. BJ expressed so much gratitude towards his team for the training and the growth that he is experiencing. And, while every fight may not yield in a victory, winning can be achieved in other ways. What are we as individuals doing to make this world a better place? How are we giving back to the youth, which, in essence, helps to shape the future? Do we look outside of ourselves and into our communities? What better way to make a difference than to invest in our youth. BJ unselfishly gave of himself by serving in the military, working in a boy’s home, and being a role model to his young sons. He was truly a pleasure to be around.

So, as we reflect on ourselves, our communities, and our nation, what are we doing to make things better? Do we express gratitude for the things that others do for us, or do we have the mindset that we are entitled to these things? Do we give back to the community, or are we sapping our communities and neighbors of its resources? Are we positive, honest, and uplifting, or do we operate in a quicksand of negativity and deceit? Honestly, how we operate amounts to a choice that we make. That choice is the difference between the happiness that occurs because we are giving, productive members of society like BJ Harlin, or the misery that comes from selfishness and negativity. The choice is ours. Choose wisely.

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