New Attitude
Something about the springtime smell of sunshine and roses in full bloom seems to give me an extra shot of motivation. With school coming to an end the German word “Aufbruch” comes to mind. It’s a word that means “awakening” or “start”. Life is cyclical and this year one cycle is ending and another is beginning. Time to put all that knowledge to good use. It’s a little bit scary, quite frankly. Endings and beginnings always are. But they are also a lot like the dawn. Before the sun comes up, it’s impossible to see what the day will be like but then, the sun comes over the horizon and you can see forever. Of course, the day may be grey and cloudy but at some point, hours, days–weeks, if you’re in London–later, the skies clear and you’re on you’re way. That’s where I am now. I’ve got a new attitude and I’m on my way!
Every four years, the Olympic spirit always infuses me with a special kind of inspiration. I inevitably end up skiing or ice-skating, undaunted by my–ahem–very marginal talent on any slippery surface. Watching this year’s Olympics with my own progeny, I am somehow transported to my grandmother’s living room. Listening as my great-grandmother, born in 1893, scoffed at the briefness of the ladies’ costumes, we watched the ‘thrill of victory, the agony of defeat’ –and some really inspiring commercials. Now, while listening to the fatherly voice of Morgan Freeman, I reflect on victory, defeat and “my everywhere”. Not only did this month find me on the ice NOT falling on my keester, it finds me going for my personal best. Back in school, singing, teaching and nurturing an active, always-hungry male tween, I am at the top of my game. I have to be. The investment thus far leaves me with only one option: WIN! Yes, sometimes there is incredible pressure and there are of course setbacks. But KNOWING that I’m going for a win keeps me focused and on track. Much better than being #everywhere, I am right here, right now, in the moment, with a path as clearly marked as the downhill run. Best part is, I know that getting there is not half the fun, it isthe fun. So at the end of each day am thankful for my victories, wiser for my setbacks and overjoyed to know that I don’t have to wait 4 years to go for gold all over again.
