Optimism at Olympics 2010: Dare to Dream

Olympians evoke an image of extraordinary persistence, hope and optimism. They embody the notion of mind over matter. Olympic athletes endure years of training, overcoming challenges, injuries, and withstand losses amidst the wins. They give up the usual social life of the young. These spectacular women and men hail from every part of the world to compete and push past boundaries. They dare to dream. They dare to go the distance. On February 13, Nodar Kumaritashvili, Georgian Luge Olympic hopeful, tragically died on the opening day of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. He lost control at a crucial moment while practicing for his competition. Perhaps it was the ice, the unimaginable speed or simply a split second error in judgment. At 21, Nodar embodied the passion, perseverance and optimism known to all Olympians. While the luge incident might have seemed extreme to most, there is a message to be gleaned from Nodar’s premature death. Believing in oneself and going for the gold in our own lives invariably promises to be a better ride than holding back from pursuing our dreams. Everyday we are presented with opportunities to create the vision that supports our personal and professional goals and dreams. We get to choose the way we move through the hours, days and weeks of our lives. Taking one infinitesimally small step at a time, we can move closer to realizing our fullest potential. I recently spent a week at the Red Mountain Spa in Utah, where I presented on the topics of Love, Romance and Friendships in honor of Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Month. Men and women came from all parts of the world to hike, bike, climb mountains and practice yoga at dawn. Some of us were trying these activities for the first time, while others were veterans. We all came together one way or another, creating groups and challenging ourselves to go further. The energy was contagious and compelling. It seemed like each participant shared the inspired feeling that, “I can do this.” “This” means something different to each of us.

Hiking at Red Mountain Resort during "Bootcamp"

Whenever I present in this venue I am awed by the beauty of the Red Mountains and the willingness of people to stretch past their usual boundaries. Tai chi at sunset, with the sounds of flutes, brought a high powered business man to tears. Hiking five vertical miles of sharp black lava and sandy red terrain connected a mother and daughter more deeply. One young woman who came to the spa with acne, a sad face and rounded shoulders, left looking calmer, clearer and considerably more self confident. Coming home I have a renewed appreciation for the possibilities of every day. Life is about attitude and making the decision to meet challenges rather than making excuses. Each day find the necessary support and inspiration so that we can achieve our goals and dreams. At Red Mountain Spa guests are greeted with the expression, “Have a great adventure today” by staff members. Perhaps corny, but there is wisdom in those words. Sadly Nodar Kumaritashvili will not have another day to live out his passion, but you do! I wish you all a great and safe adventure today. What will you do today to make this day count?