Olympic Lesson #1

Now that the 2010 Winter Olympics are over, I want to reflect back on lessons that I can learn from those amazing 17 days. I am a little sad that they are over. I was inspired to be faster, stronger, and to reach higher for my life-goals. Now, I must find a way to keep that flame burning inside of me.

So here is lesson #1:

Of course, it comes from Lindsey Vonn - the Olympic "cover-girl". Yes, you might be a little tired of hearing her name, but I really enjoyed watching her. She provides an excellent example of dedication, strength, fearlessness, and perseverance. I listened to one of her teammates describe her. She said that Lindsey reached a point in her career where she realized that talent could only take her so far. If she wanted to be the best she was going to have to work for it, and work HARD. Lindsey decided she wanted to do the work, and look where it got her!

Growing up I knew I had talent in a lot of areas, and that got me to a nice place without any seriously hard work. I had fun. I never realized that if I really wanted to achieve my dreams I would have to dig down deep and WORK for them. Maybe I came to this realization a little later in life, BUT at least I realize it now. I have dreams that need to be reached! I have goals to fulfill! So, let's not be afraid of the hard work it takes to find fulfillment in this life.

This amazing skier has stumbled, fallen, and completely wiped out, on several occasions. Did that stop her? NO WAY! She got right back on those skis (after a little cheese therapy) and went for it again! After the first fall, my fear usually gets the best of me, and I bow my head in defeat. Well, NOT ANY MORE!!! I want to face my challenges and scream in their face, "BRING IT ON!!!" (with respectful humility, of course).

Lindsey, thank you for showing your example of dedication and desire to achieve greatness! Congratulations on reaching one of your dreams! Thank you for inspiring me to GET TO WORK to find the greatness within myself!

CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS!!!