When times get tough, it is easy to give up on yourself. It is in these times of trial and self-doubt that we define who we are by how we react to the challenges around us. To illustrate this point, I am going to share a little about my amazing daughter who will probably be mortified that I have chosen to focus on her this week. Sorry kiddo, but you inspire me, and I think others may be inspired by your approach to the roadblocks life puts in front of you.
From the time my daughter was eight years old, she had set her sights on becoming an amazing volleyball player. She even told us that when she grew up, she was going to be a professional volleyball player and then be a veterinarian in her spare time. While reality has set in about her career choices, her dream of becoming a strong volleyball player has never waivered. In fact, despite having had some coaches that sat her on the sidelines and didn’t believe in her, instead of quitting, her reaction was to work harder—she determined that she was going to prove them wrong. She went to extra clinics, lobbied us to send her for some private lessons, and put her whole heart into improving as a player. Last season she was actually a starter on both her high school and her club volleyball teams as a right side hitter...her hard work and positive attitude had paid off.
Unfortunately, in spring she began to experience extreme pain in her shoulder, which is not good for a player who depends on getting power from a strong overhead swing. She ended up once again sitting on the sidelines—yet another set back. True to form, instead of giving up on herself, she decided to improve her passing as this did not involve her shoulder. Her injury did keep her off the high school varsity team, but it does look like her improved passing may earn her a defensive position on the JV team where she will only need to pass.
So let’s focus back on why I felt compelled to write this blog in the first place. Life is going to continually present us with challenges. When these challenges arise, how will you react? Will you give up just because others don’t believe in you, or will you prove them wrong? When you get injured will you just give up on exercising altogether, or will you find some other way to move your body? If you have one bad meal or day will you just throw the towel in and stop eating healthy, or will you realize one small detour should not take you away from the ultimate prize—a more flabulous you?
From the time my daughter was eight years old, she had set her sights on becoming an amazing volleyball player. She even told us that when she grew up, she was going to be a professional volleyball player and then be a veterinarian in her spare time. While reality has set in about her career choices, her dream of becoming a strong volleyball player has never waivered. In fact, despite having had some coaches that sat her on the sidelines and didn’t believe in her, instead of quitting, her reaction was to work harder—she determined that she was going to prove them wrong. She went to extra clinics, lobbied us to send her for some private lessons, and put her whole heart into improving as a player. Last season she was actually a starter on both her high school and her club volleyball teams as a right side hitter...her hard work and positive attitude had paid off.
Unfortunately, in spring she began to experience extreme pain in her shoulder, which is not good for a player who depends on getting power from a strong overhead swing. She ended up once again sitting on the sidelines—yet another set back. True to form, instead of giving up on herself, she decided to improve her passing as this did not involve her shoulder. Her injury did keep her off the high school varsity team, but it does look like her improved passing may earn her a defensive position on the JV team where she will only need to pass.
So let’s focus back on why I felt compelled to write this blog in the first place. Life is going to continually present us with challenges. When these challenges arise, how will you react? Will you give up just because others don’t believe in you, or will you prove them wrong? When you get injured will you just give up on exercising altogether, or will you find some other way to move your body? If you have one bad meal or day will you just throw the towel in and stop eating healthy, or will you realize one small detour should not take you away from the ultimate prize—a more flabulous you?
Amazingly, Siobhan received the fortune at right last weekend just when she was feeling a little sad about missing the opportunity to be on her school’s varsity volleyball team. It reminded her to focus on something different. She can’t change what team she is on this year, she can’t magically heal her shoulder, but she can use her current abilities to focus on her goal. She WILL succeed and so can you!
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