THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT…
The other day I was at a physical therapy appointment and began a conversation with the young gentleman who was positioned next to me. He was on crutches and had his right hand and shoulder bandaged. When I asked what happened, he kindly explained that he had a ski accident. Soon the details emerged that he was a downhill ski racer who crashed while competing in the recent World Cup Races. As he explained the events leading up to his crash, I imagined not only his physical pain, but also the mental anguish of being forced onto the side lines for the entire rest of the season. Yet the whole time that he was sharing his story, his entire being beamed with hope and enthusiasm. He exuded a confidence that overshadowed all of his pain and disappointment. He stated that his recovery would take about 9 months and with a sparkle in his eyes he said, “not a problem as I will be back in time for the 2022 Olympics!”
I drove home that afternoon and began reflecting on the importance of having dreams, of having big dreams. Dreams and goals that are so big that they stretch us beyond what is possible with our current minds and bodies. Dreams and goals that force us to live on the edge and engage the metaphysical and the Divine. My new friend had every reason to experience serious pain, despair, and physical suffering, and yet his quest for a greater purpose gave him the momentum to live in the realm of his dream and not in his suffering. His goal to compete in the 2022 winter Olympics fueled him with the courage and energy to transform his perception of what to many would have been a devastating situation. Kyle’s Olympic spirit stayed with me as I began looking more deeply into my own soul. His amazingly focused energy reminded me that regardless of age, I always need to have a dream big enough to engage every ounce of my mind, body and spirit. It may be too late for me to get to the Olympics but it is never too late to change my attitude to that of an Olympian.
The Olympic Creed….”The most important thing in the Olympic games is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well!”.