We are living in incredible times. I was reminded of this on Friday evening. I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics. The ceremonies in London, England captivated me. Aside from being excited to watch the greatest athletes’ in the world, I was in awe of the incredible performances and production of the opening ceremonies. We are reminded of humanity, courage, humility, passion, and possibly for some an overall purpose for life. The athletes selected and qualified for the Olympics train virtually their entire lives. These athletes have dedicated themselves and will share with us, merely in minutes, their greatness. They strive for excellence EVERYDAY! How can you not be inspired?
Many of us will watch the world’s greatest athletes’ compete in their respective sports. All of the athletes will be aspiring for a medal. Some will medal: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Although not everyone will walk with a medal, ALL of these competitive athletes are winners. The founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, developed the Olympic Creed following a sermon he heard by the Bishop of Pennsylvania during the 1908 London games: 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 to have not conquered but to have fought well.
Our daily walk is full of challenges, adversity, and setbacks. Yet, when we train, focus, and perform well we generally have successes. Might I encourage you to be an Olympian in your own life. You can have passion, seek your purpose, and experience great pleasure everyday. Remember anything worthwhile takes effort, diligence, dedication, and endurance.
The Olympic Flag, Flame and Motto are significant. The Olympic Flag made its debut at the 1920 Games in Antwerp. The Olympic Flag was designed by Barron de Coubertin. The five rings – blue, yellow, black, green, and red represent the five continents. Imagine the rings as a distinct part of your physical, psychological, spiritual and make-up. The white flag acts as your emotional center. Tie all of these ingredients together and the flag should represent you. The Flame symbolizes peace among the continents and athletes. It also represents inner peace. To achieve peace with others you must have peace within. The Olympic Motto is powerful – Citius, Altius, Fortius is Latin for “swifter – higher – stronger.” This is an incredible suggestion for a push for excellence, competition, goal-setting, personal growth, exponential energy, and breaking down barriers. Three weeks from now the Olympic flame will be extinguished. The world’s greatest athletes’ flame will continue to burn. Allow the fire within you to burn. Let it burn with pride, joy, excitement, and courage. You can move more SWIFTLY, STRIVE HIGHER, AND BE STRONGER!
My friend, Larry Indiviglia, shared with me an affirmation; “I am an Olympian in the Olympiad of life. I will stay engaged, I will not give up, I will continue my journey and live a good life: I am a winner!”
