What the Olympics Taught me about choices

Looking back this week I notice that I miss the excitement of the Olympics. There are always such great stories of human triumph that come from the many participants from the various countries. This year’s Olympics where no exception. The women’s figure skating championships by itself, was enough to get even the toughest heart to shed a tear or two. (me I was a big baby)

I can’t imagine the pressure felt by the medal winner from Korea that had her whole country behind her as long as she won. If not she would live in shame before he whole county. And I get nervous talking in front of people. She not only gave a stellar performance but she went out on a limb to woe the judges. Just one piece of bad ice could have tumbled her hopes for the gold but she went all out.

Then there was Canada’s skater who won a medal even though her mother had died there just two days before her performance. I can’t imagine the courage and discipline that it took just to suit up and put her skates on. When she blew that kiss to her mother in the heavens I was weeping and touched.

I waited for a while to write this to not distract from their time in the spotlight and to think about what it took to do those things that most of us think of as superhuman efforts. I believe it has everything to do with vision and goals. You see both young ladies had the vision to be skaters and win from a very early age. Both had to put in hour after hour of practice. They sacrificed friends, family, and time to be everyday normal kind of people to do something that takes a committed effort and persistence.

This meant that when it came time to reach their goal, they knew that they could not stop. They had to go on and do what they had come to do. That would be to give their all. I heard that story told throughout the week by many athletes. No matter what they achieved they walked away giving it everything they had. That to me is true inspiration!

What if each of us gave our lives the best we had to offer each day. Does it have to be hours and hours of practice or working towards some endeavor? Or can it just be the best we can do that day to improve ourselves and our situation? See effort looks different for different people. I remember when it took effort just to walk up the stairs. It took effort not to give up. It took effort to even keep any hope that life could change. But, when I watch the achievers I am reminded that nothing achieved comes without effort. And much of the time the effort is always rewarded.

Take a moment out today, ask yourself what one thing you would change about yourself if you could. Then find a way to change it. Olympians use trainers and coaches. They don’t do it on their own. Together as a team they reach for their ultimate “perfect performance”. They got at it again and again, doing a little better each time at whatever they do. For some they come away with a medal, for some they just come away knowing they have to do better next time or they had some bad luck during the competition. All of them can come away knowing they gave it their best and got to participate in a competition that very few can qualify for.

Where will you compete? You will you inspire? Whose life will change by something you decide to do? I can say I will never win an Olympic medal but already this year I have done things I never thought I would be able to do. This year is still young and perhaps there is at least a medal or race that I can run for my age and win. Perhaps all that I will ever take away is knowing I gave it my best, and that my dear readers is always enough.

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