The Thing About The Olympics

I'm such a sucker for the Olympics. Seriously--I will schedule my whole life around the games during the two weeks (winter or summer) that they're on. And let's face it. I will CRY LIKE A BABY.

So what is it that hits such a nerve as to evoke such emotion?

I think it's simple, really. The fulfillment of a dream. We sit on the couch in the comfort of our homes and watch these kids who have spent countless hours, sacrificing time with their friends, sleep, their parents' money, and a lot of other "kid stuff" for years. All because they had that perfect combination of unique talent and a dream strong enough to drive them to incomparable heights.

So maybe my dreams haven't involved as much time and sacrifice. And if I'm honest, they haven't involved as much heart. either.

But that doesn't matter. Because at the end of the day, dreams are dreams. And the thing about dreams is that most of them don't come true. And for most of us, that's a bit uncomfortable.

But here comes this moment in time, every two years, where we get to watch these kids compete their hearts out. And for the lucky few it all pays off and they get that sweet moment of victory. It's an amazing thing to watch.

My dreams....well, there are a lot of them that continue to falter. When I watch the Olympics my emotions swell with the satisfaction of seeing a dream realized just as much as they stutter with the reality check for those in that haven't come through.

Sometimes that hit is pretty deep, tapping into those areas of my life that I've hoped for but not yet realized.

But for the most part, I think the emotion is pure joy. Joy in knowing that dreams DO come true. That hard work and effort DO pay off. And that so many of us can sit in our living rooms and experience that joy together.

The thing about the Olympics? They shake us out of being content with anything less than all we have to give. They make us want more--to stretch ourselves and see what we can really do.

And really, isn't that what it's all about anyway?

[Side note: yes...I know I owe you details on life. When I have more than 2 free minutes at a time I promise I'll catch you up.]