Finding inspiration in tough times
Like most Canadians, I have been fairly wrapped up in the Olympics these past two weeks. It has been so exciting to watch our athletes compete. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and elegance of the opening ceremonies and I am excited to see the closing ceremonies. I really believe that we have shown the world how truly special Canada is.
In the Olympics, as with all sports, the emphasis is on the winning. However, one of the main themes I have seen exhibited throughout these weeks is the perseverance and courage of conviction. These athletes have trained, practiced and devoted their lives to their sport, and in times of crushing defeat and tragedy, they persevere and perform to the best of their abilities. They have faced personal tragedies like the death of a parent, being legally blind and still hoping to compete in both Olympics and Para-Olympics, falling after aerial spins, falling during a tough mogul run – and yet each has picked up and seen it through. Their courage of conviction and perseverance is remarkable. It is inspiring and often more impressive to me than some of the wins. I think it takes such strength after a fall to pick yourself up, re-evaluate your course, examine your options and continue on, knowing you cannot “win.”
I feel as though in many ways I have been on the same path for the last few months. Life has been filled with ups and downs and stresses related to work and family life. The fire has added enormous stress to our days. We are now in the process of determining how to rebuild a kitchen. In the long run I will have a beautiful new kitchen but in the short run we are going a bit nutty here at home. The kids are sick of listening to us talk endlessly about cabinets, counters and flooring. My husband and I are trying to plan this while working full-time and juggling all the other demands on our time.
There’s only one thing to do: keep on going, working hard to meet the needs of my clients and of my family. Each day is a juggle and a challenge in maintaining some balance but it is one I look forward to. These challenges make us thrive and help us stay strong. So the next time I am overwhelmed or overstressed (especially when cleaning out my basement to transform it into a temporary kitchen) I will think back on the athletes’ strength and use it as an inspiration to keep on plugging away.
So I challenge you to keep on keeping on. Remember your inner strength and use it to face the challenges of work, family and life.
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Great post Andrea. The Olympics taught us many things about what it takes to succeed as an enterprenial woman who faces the challenges of work, family, and life. The opening ceremonies left me in awe and created a great sense of pride and admiration. Joannie Rochette, the Canadian figure skater, wore tragedy on her sleeve as she performed on the ice. There were moments were she could have melted into the ice as her body still performed yet she continued with a brave face. She has such determination, talent, courage, and strength. Joannie Rochette has left an huge impact on my family, especially my daughter. My daughter completed a school assignment featuring Joannie and was very insistent on watchign every performance. You should have seen the excitement she had when Joannie got the bronze medal; it was like the fireworks on Canada Day. She shouted,” Mom, she did not quit!” Thank you Joannie for inspiring a nation. May Joannie find peace in knowing that her mother’s spirit lives inside of her and that Joannie and her mother taught many us of lessons we will never forget.
Lessons Learned from the Olympics:
No matter what challenges you face there are people there to support you. They want you to succeed.
Keep focussed and remember why you are doing what you do. You do it because you love it and it is your passion.
The people who keep the momentum going, by moving forward, are the people who will get ahead. Keep going.
When we face challenges in our lives, we must gain strength and stamina to manouver the moguls of our on lives.
Celebrate every success in your journey.
Never Quit!