“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." ~Lance Armstrong
Everyone has experienced failure on some level or another. Why does failure destroy some people, and yet others come back from it stronger than ever?
I've been fortunate to know some rather interesting people over the course of my life and career. Not one of them has escaped having to overcome some difficulty or another. And while some may appear more lucky than others, it's really hard work, persistence, and optimism that brings them their well deserved success.
Right now several friends and acquaintances of mine are competing to qualify for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. It's exciting to watch, and inspiring, too. One thing I've always taken away from watching them compete is that when they fall down, they just get back up & keep going.
Casey Puckett (USA), the 4-time Olympic skier with hopes to qualify for this year's Olympics in Ski Cross, recently underwent surgery to repair a separated shoulder after crashing in France. And while the press headlines are saying that his Olympic hopes might be in jeopardy, he's fighting a valiant fight & gaining about 10-15% rotation each day! GO CASEY!!!
And Martin Fiala (GER), has come out of retirement with hopes to qualify for this year's Olympics, too! While the press is pointing out that his competitors are young enough to be his children, The Moose is such a consummate veteran that he's definitely in the running! Oh, and he'll be 42 on Monday! GO MARTIN!!! And happy birthday, too!
Perhaps "failing better" boils down to having resiliency, and knowing that if you've fallen down before, you can get up again.
So how do we, mere mortals, find inspiration? I suppose we just need to open our eyes, see the world around us & find inspiration where ever we can!
Just Say Yes
performed by Snow Patrol
http://tinyurl.com/y8m67uw
Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol
Onward & upward!
;-)
Thanks for becoming a fan of Yellow Springs Arts :)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed exploring your blog and really like your attitude and enjoyed this blog entry. A couple of years ago my son was accidentally shot in his eye with a plastic pellet and while he has slowly recovered we are still aware of the possibility of long term consequences. don't think he would have ever worn one of your fabulous patches though ;)
take care
jafabrit, blog admin for Yellow Springs Arts
so inspiring....and hopefully you'll meet your veteran and other acquantainces at the olympics, just to get even more inspired !! Good luck for you and your old-age competitor! Katie
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