The first question every always ask me is "Why ?", Why would I do it ? The answer is simple.
Because I can.
It actually is more surprising to me that some people would even think twice if asked to participate on the show.
I'm the first to admit that I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I can honestly say I wake up every morning with a smile knowing what a wonderful family, friends and life I have. It's the exact same way I felt when I was broke.
Money makes so many things in life easier, but it can't buy you a positive outlook on life. Fortunately, how any of us approaches each of our days is completely up to us. It's not something you can buy or sell. It's not hard to put a smile on your face every day, but for some reason some people find it impossible to do. Not me.
The opportunity to do something unique that makes me smile is something I try not to pass up, Dancing with the Stars is just that.
It's not about how well I can dance. Its about the opportunity to compete at something I enjoy. Its about doing something that makes me smile every minute I'm doing it or even thinking about it.
Why am I competing on Dancing with the Stars ? Because its an opportunity to have a blast. Its a blast practicing. 2,3, 4 or more hours just blaze by is if its just minutes. Its hysterical what they are going to make me wear. Yesterday I felt like they had found Ricky Ricardos garage sale and bought up his clothes just for me. I'm going to be out there to win, but I promise you no one is going to be having a better time than me. I can promise you that.
When I'm 90 years old and talking to my grand kids and hopefully great grand kids, I won't be the grandparent who tells them about the things I wished I had done and how they should experience life, I will be the grandparent with tons of great stories that hopefully inspires them to live their lives to the fullest .
That's why I'm doing Dancing with the Stars,
Dancing with the Stars and the Meaning of Life
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Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Good for you Mark...
We'll all be smiling at you, I mean with you :)
Posted at 1:33PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Tim Elliott
3. We'll be rooting for you!!
Posted at 1:55PM on Sep 7th 2007 by John Gauger
4. Kick some ass against all those b-listers. (and I secretly hope you get the dance partner with real breasts. :)
Posted at 2:12PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Dustin
5. You are also very competitive, so you'll do well. My wife roped me into watching last year's finals, and she thought the actor was going to win, and I told her the ice skater would win for sure because he has more practice being perfect in competitive situations.
I'm not saying I'll bet on you, but if you aren't up against a gold medalist or a Super Bowl winner, you'll have a good shot.
Posted at 2:19PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Scott Yates
7. From one IU alum to another....You go on with your bad-self!!
Posted at 2:30PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Stephanie
8. I love Dancing With The Stars and will definitely be pulling for you! Sell it!
Posted at 3:02PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Natali Del Conte
9. You are an example of someone that experiences life by actually living it.
Posted at 3:36PM on Sep 7th 2007 by John Taras
11. Do me a favor, don't do a Master P, at least make it look like you are putting a little effort into it.
Posted at 4:16PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Ed
14. Mark, I live in a one bedroom apartment fifteen minutes from your near downtown compound, am 24 years old, drive a Ford Focus, make $25k a year and have never been more happy in my life than I am today. I totally understand your point in this blog. I was once told "Some people work in order to love what they do, and others just love what they do" such as your Mavericks. I stick to my passions and refuse to "sell out" to my heart. Enjoy your time at the show and I look forward to watching the Mavericks playing come June 2008.
Posted at 4:50PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Brandon Campbell
15. dude im pumped about seeing you ready to win! already someone from dallas wone (emmit smith). i know you can do it and when i saw you on leno i could tell your determined rather than just letting it go by. but dont be offended if i change it to the mavs game while your dancing on abc..thats gonna suck dude cause i have no tivo!!! so i gotta take my mavs first than to see you dance..sorry dude go mavs!
18. Hit It!
Just call him Cuban Pete, the King of the Rumba beat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJej6kCgxVM
Go for it! Just don't break a leg!
Boogie,
Mary
Posted at 6:03PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Mary Clemente
19. Amen brotha, amen. Just be ready to hear about it from your basketball players and coaches. You know they're going to get all over you.
Posted at 6:06PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Bob Wegener
20. This is awesome! I couldn't agree with you more there Mark. When you have the opportunity to do something that will make you laugh and smile and have a good time, you just have to jump at it.
What is the worst that happens? You fall flat on your face on national TV? Then you will have one hell of as story to tell won't you!
I will be voting (is this even a vote for show?) and promise to at least catch your highlights on YOUTUBE!
Posted at 8:00PM on Sep 7th 2007 by HockeyNutz
1. Mark,
I couldn't agree with you more - people think that they need money to be happy when there is SO much more to be happy for, as you mentioned, life, family (wife & kids) & friends.
You got my vote!!
Posted at 1:24PM on Sep 7th 2007 by James