Olympic Inspiration

Today's the DAY!

The London Olympics officially start TONIGHT!!
7:30PM est on NBC.
I can't WAIT!

I was driving Emma home from skating the other day and I mentioned to her how excited I was that this Friday is the Opening Ceremony for the London Olympics.
Now, this didn't necessarily excite her, nor may it send chills of anticipation running down your spine either, but I LOVE the Olympics. Winter, Summer, doesn't matter. I am riveted to the tv for those two weeks in time.

When I was a girl, the Olympics were a BIG event in my home. We only got three tv channels without the help of wire, aluminum foil and sometimes a speedy squirrel and thankfully, they played out on network tv. We didn't have to "pay per view" or "subscribe" or upgrade our cable - heck, there was no cable - to watch some of the worlds greatest, most passionate people have the privilege of participating in their chosen sport.

The fact that it only happened every four years made it "must see tv" in our home. And unlike that other event that happens every four years, the Olympics were a great source of pride in our country that brought us all together to cheer on the athletes who represented us. They made our hearts swell with emotion as we heard their stories, watched their competition and heard our National Anthem played when that elusive Gold Medal was earned.

So, I got to thinking.
Thinking about those athletes and musing about what got them to that particular moment in time. And when Emma asked me why I loved the Olympics so much, this is what I told her.

These athletes are the best each country has to offer and they all share one thing regardless of nation, race, religion, sex or education.

They all have a passion for what they believe in, for what they truly love and are made to do.

For these athletes, their talent is unmistakable.
Everyone talks about how talented they are, how gifted they are. They are called superhuman in some cases, incomparable in achievement. It's truly amazing to watch them in action.

But talent alone does not get them to the Olympics.

You can be the most talented ever at something, have it all come oh, so naturally to you. Seemingly effortless sometimes.
But without heart, courage, sacrifice, persistence and a dream, your talent alone will never be fully realized.

The athletes who make it to the Olympics (and many who don't), have taken a long, difficult journey to reach this pinnacle moment. Many sacrifices have been made along the way to pursue their passion - that thing they were made to do. And when, if, they do reach that golden moment, all the years of work, persistence and sacrifice make it all the more special because they know that they gave it their all and earned their ultimate prize. If that doesn't give you goosebumps then I don't know what will.

Now, consider this:
What is your passion?
What is your dream?
What do you believe in?
Do you know?
Do you work at it every day? Consistently? Persistently? Sometimes sacrificially?
Have you written it down?
Do you make it part of your regular thought patterns?

While we don't expect to earn an Olympic Gold Medal, we can reach the dreams, goals and desires we have in our hearts to reach.
Just like those Olympic athletes.
We can set measurable, concrete goals and work towards them consistently. Persistently.

Like those Olympic athletes, we will have bad days, difficult days. But, if we know our passion and are working towards our dreams and desires, the ultimate outcome of success is possible - even probable if we don't give up. And that in a nutshell is it - Never Give Up.
If you are truly doing what you are meant to do.
If you believe in yourself and embrace the knowledge that you CAN do anything you put your mind to.
If you work at it, yes, really work at it, then you can get there. You can reach that dream you have in your heart.

So, as we watch the best of the best these next few weeks - living their dream, pursuing their passion - let them inspire you to live yours.
And determine in your heart to Never Give Up.
You can do it.
Believe it.

See you tonight by the tv!
~~Robin