I was born to do this...

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"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, 

but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

~Bruce Lee 

The Olympics are dominating our television set,

and at times, it's hard to pull ourselves away.

We find ourselves glued to the action.

The behind the scenes. The back stories.

The triumphs. The disappointments.

Michael Phelps. Ryan Lochte.

Missy Franklin. Lolo Jones.

The list goes on...

There's a unification that occurs during these events...

For a moment in time, 
people of different gender, race, creed, 

and political views come together

not to "offer" their opinions on every topic under the sun, or debate them,

but to cheer on our fellow countrymen (& women) as they strive for excellence.

To be the best in the world.

There is something that stirs in our hearts as we watch these athletes 

pushing themselves, their will, their determination, their bodies to the very limit.

The focus. The dedication. The caliber. The commitment it takes to get to this platform is undeniably inspirational.

I think there's something inside of all of us that desires to put ourselves to the test. 

To reach for the stars. To rise to the occasion. To bring people together.

To hone in on our talents, and shine.

What are you impassioned about? 

What makes you come alive?

What awakens your inner man?

Do you write? Write! Do you create? Create! Do you build? Build!

Repeat after me...I am not afraid...I was born to do this.

Now....do it! 
Then do it again. And again...and again...
(repeat 10,000 times)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others."

~ M. Williamson

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!

I'm Sorry...

"Never ruin an apology with an excuse."  

~Kimberly Johnson

"I'm sorry."

Two simple words, but such powerful words indeed.

They have the power to heal. Restore. Reconcile.

The power to acknowledge. Validate. Conciliate. 

To bring peace. Mend. Harmonize.

Have you hurt someone? 

Directly or indirectly? 

By word or deed?
Or lack thereof?

I have. 

I think we all have at one time or another.

Sometimes we try to complicate an apology.

Give a list of reasons why. Explain. Justify.

But what I've come to learn is that more often than not,

people do not want the explanation,

they don't care about the details...

they just need the apology.

Simplicity. Sincerity. Authenticity.

It truly is a healing salve.

G.K. Chesterton said "The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; 

he wants to be healed because he has been hurt."

Sigh. Thanks for keepin' it real Chesterton.

Sweet Bellas, if there's an unresolved issue in your life,

and you've been wanting to make things right, 

Now is the time.

Keep it simple. 

Keep it sincere.

Don't worry about how it's received,
sometimes it takes time for the wound to heal.

Don't let pride get in the way,

Just do your part. 

"So if you are offering your gift at the altar

and there remember that your brother has something against you,

leave your gift there before the alter and go.

First be reconciled to your brother,

and then come and offer your gift."

~Matthew 5:23-24