Preparations for the London 2012 Olympics are in full swing around the world, so it seems appropriate that this week we’re taking on the idea of living like a champion.
Except, what does that mean exactly? What is a champion?
In my head, I have notions of what it looks like and feels like to be a champion. And frankly, lately I have felt far from a champion.
Frustrated with my rising numbers on the scale and my lack of progress on my quest to regain my fitness, I have felt disillusionment and sadness more than pride and joy. Making mistakes and forgetting things as I have tried keeping too many balls in the air has me feeling more like a ping pong ball than someone deserving of praise.
But then it hit me. Living life as a champion does not mean being successful or happy all the time.
credit: Wikipedia
Living life as a champion means much more. And much less.
Maybe it means that we defeat the voices in our heads that try to tell us we are not enough. Or that we can’t do something.
Maybe it means that we stand strong for what we believe in.
Maybe it means that we get up each day and keep trying.
Maybe it means that each one of us has the potential to have an inner champion. Without any medals hanging around our neck. Without a place on the podium to be recognized for our achievements.
My inner champion pushes me to get back on the treadmill even when I have been off for one week. My inner champion tells me that the point of my upcoming trip to Italy is not how I look on the beach in a bathing suit, but the memories that I make with my family. My inner champion thrives when I take a stand and advocate for More Birthdays and self sufficiency in others. My inner champion shushes the voices that question my writing ability and future livelihood as a freelance writer.
My inner champion, like Olympic athletes, has good days and bad days. But she is there. Strong and resilient, knowing that there is always tomorrow.
xo
Elena
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I love when you spoke of how your “inner champion shushes the voices…” That, in my mind, is one of the most important roles of a anyone’s “inner champion” – to continue to fight and resist those voices of negativity and to help you discover the solution that works best for YOU.
Have a wonderful trip to Italy Elena. I look forward to reading about it afterwards.
Kate F. (@katefineske) recently posted..Here He Comes to Save the Day (A Fathers’ Day Tribute)
And your inner champion is a strong one! The causes you choose to advocate for, whether personal or professional are strong and steady. When I read your words, I know that you are dedicated for the long-haul; even when small, daily obstacles (or giant obstacles!) get in your way, you persevere. xo
angela recently posted..A Year to Remember
I AGREE.
I read your words and know you can do it.
youre focused and dedicated.
youve got this.
xo
Miz recently posted..Thirty days till 43.
I saw this prompt in my JustBeEnough newsletter this week and thought to myself, “I am not a champion. Maybe I’ll skip this one.”
So, the beautifully accepting, challenging message in your post turned my thinking upside down. Which is precisely what Just Be Enough messages do to me…
xo
Kimberly recently posted..Heartaches are good for you
Good message. Life is about balance and all of our inner champions need to recognize that.
Corey Feldman recently posted..Where I’m at for Father’s day
[...] I read Elena’s post: My Inner Champion. (Go ahead, read it…I’ll [...]
I love this: “Maybe it means that each one of us has the potential to have an inner champion. Without any medals hanging around our neck. Without a place on the podium to be recognized for our achievements.”
My “medals” are my kids, my marriage and my relationship with my friends and family. When I work hard at being the person I know I can be, it shows in ways outside of myself. I agree that we have to find that balance of being genuine people and seeking approval from others – being proud of ourselves is probably the best gift we can give ourselves.
Great post.
Emily @ My Pajama Days recently posted..After 26-weeks of training, was it all worth it?
Well spoken, Elena. MY inner champion did not have a very good day today and reading this? Was exactly what I needed to tonight. Thanks, my friend!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..Clean Up Your Act – Spring Green Quinoa