“It’s in the hard times that champions are made.”
As I sat on my couch last night (something that I DON’T do often) watching U.S. Gold medalist Gabby Douglas during her interview…I could not turn my attention from the TV. She spoke about all the hard work, sweat, and tears that she’s put into her gymnastics. She’s dreamed everyday of winning the Olympics, and after out performing her competitors she stood to accept the gold.
You know that girl…who’s always updating her status with cheesy and inspirational quotes? MMmmhmmm, that’s me. I’m a bit of a quote finatic……and I use these words to inspire me. I mean, honestly, who DOESN’T love a success story???????
I love to watch documentaries and read books on the lives of individuals/companies that started with a simple idea…and grew into more than they could have imagined. I also am completely obsessed with reality TV shoes like DesignStar, Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance, or Cupcake Wars. Because the truth is, anything is possible. I think there are MORE people who live in fear of their dreams than those that are out there achieving them.
What is it that separates a champion from the rest?
I have conversations daily with people about their passions…it’s something that I’m intrigued by. What makes people light up? And for those poeple who have allowed their dreams/hopes/passions to drive their careers and aspirations, THOSE are the ones you read about.
All I know is this….the people that I LOVE and respect the most in life, these “champions”, all have something in common. They all………
A) Are unafraid to be who they are; to have a stance or what they feel and what they hold true.
B) Attribute their success and their ability to succeed to God.
C) Make mistakes, and when they do…they admit them, learn from them and move forward.
D) Practice…and never accept imperfection or the feeling of contentment
E) Overcome the odds…and the doubt.
F) THEY. HAVE. HEART……call it passion, drive, fight. You name it, they’ve got it.
In this same week, I also received a note that read:
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
So, DO THAT. I will. 🙂 And maybe one day…our paths will cross. 😉
Four years ago, I remember crying to my family about my place in life. I was preparing to begin my Masters in Architecture without the passion that I knew I needed in order to be successful…and happy. Now, here I am following my dreams. I feel so grateful for the opportunity and I hope to continue one day at a time, striving to be the best I can. I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!
Live Simply, Love Freely,
Catherine
