I am amazed by the thought of what it takes to compete at this level and how it is accomplished.
How do people keep going, keep striving, keep believing in themselves even when at times their goals must seem unattainable. Even when there is so much adversity it seems it would be so much easier to just quit. To give up.
How often do we say, in our own lives, I can't do it. It isn't working. I just want to give up.
I know I do. There are days, weeks, months that I am facing so much adversity that I just want to quit. That I want to find a place where I can just go to give up. That I question everything I am doing and wonder why it isn't working for me. I am at a fork in the road.
And then there is this.
Photo from The National Women's Law Center.
We all face difficult times. Times where no matter how hard we seem to be trying nothing seems to work. Times where we may begin to panic. I have been facing those times, and yes at times I do begin to panic. I also know that when I remain calm, when I look at things rationally, when I see what is working for other people and go in new directions I may just be able to kick butt.
When I see a downhill racer, who has been training for years, wipe out and break their leg, then go back and train for another four years, I know that I can get up and try again. I need to remain calm.
Because at the end of all the struggle I may just be able to have time to enjoy the flowers,
To sit on the beach,
to dance in the streets to the music.
and just maybe I'll do some of those things along the way, while I keep calm and kick butt.
I'm like you, I enjoy watching the Olympics. I think partly because they are "real" people, not sports stars....although they are really. Anyway I do enjoy it! I love that sign....nice post, beautiful pictures! Thanks for your visits to my blog! Have a delightful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. It is always so nice to hear from you :)
DeleteLove it sister.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry.
DeleteJust noticed your new header - very pretty and love the simplicity :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki. I wanted something simple and cheerful.
DeleteI have had a "Keep Calm and Kick Butt" week also. I hope all goes well with these Olympics. Personally I will be glad when all the athletes return home safely. I hope all this security stress is just hype.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a little scary. Hope this week is less stressful for you, my friend.
DeleteLove the new face of your blog, Laura. Life is not easy, that's for sure. Hope things get better real soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie.
ReplyDeleteI am with you all the way on this one! I love the Olympics and I'm so excited this year to see all the awesome winter sports that like you I only watch when the Olympics are on. Their stories inspire me. Let's Go USA!!
ReplyDeleteI've been getting more excited as the day goes on :)
DeleteHi Laura...I think we can all identify with going through the hard times. Lord knows there are enough of them in life. But breathing deeply and hanging on always helps because eventually, the bad times pass. Thank heavens. Susan
ReplyDeleteYes, they do, Susan.
DeleteI find inspiration in the athletes, too. especially the ones in the sports no one ever pays attention to. They're doing all they do for reasons that move me--passion, purpose. So, while I'll watch the skating and the skiing, I'll also be watching biathlon and curling!
ReplyDeleteI watch it all, too. I am transfixed :)
DeleteI love figure skating and gymnastics best of all, but am very impressed with the absolute determination of all the Olympic athletes.
ReplyDeleteGo team USA!
I can also relate to facing difficulties and hard times. It's a part of life that seems to teach us the most. Thinking of you and hoping the trying times pass quickly and turn out better than expected. Hugs!
Thank you, Carolyn. Go Team USA!!
DeleteThose are good words to live by. I look forward to watching the opening ceremony tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteI am going to an auction, but I am going to make sure I am back in plenty of time for the opening ceremony. It is supposed to be a good one.
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