My fascination with the Olympics, the athletes, willpower, drive and determination to win has been taken to a deeper level with the introduction of the Olympic Mom.
20+ Olympic athletes have children and juggle practice, family, games and motherhood. They handle sleep deprivation, sickness, and manage their time while focusing on their life long dreams, their children and life as a mom.
Balance and juggling were cited on the Today Show as a key to having a family and a dream. These women have rigorous practice schedules, games and competitions, travel, and the responsibilities of motherhood.
They are a great role model for a mom like me. I have dreams, goals and a determination to be an individual and a mom. They have shown me, as many others do, that dreams can and should be achieved without the sacrifice of a family.
One swimmer, now 41, was back in the pool just 4 months after giving birth. Now 2 years later she is a mom and an Olympic medalist, with a story to tell her daughter about their trip.
A softball player had her baby and competed just 5 weeks later; that is drive and determination to have both a dream and a child.
Two soccer moms, Olympic athletes who are also moms, said that they play differently now. They are more composed, smarter and have calmed down since having a child.
A basketball mom says that it is all about balance. She gives 100% to her daughter when she is with her and she gives 100% to basketball when she is playing; the time is split differently each day but 100% is always given.
As I look at these moms, what they are able to accomplish and their commitment I think, what do I want to do? I am inspired to journal about my goals, dreams and aspirations and see if there is something that I am not doing that I could be.
I am inspired and in awe of these women. As a beach volleyball player myself, I watched the finals last night and heard the heart felt message that they have done what they set out to do, are not finished with their sport but want the experience of motherhood.
The emotion as Kerri Walsh said "it is time, I really want a baby!" made me smile and hope for her to she gets to experience motherhood. She has accomplished so much personally and now a baby, motherhood and volleyball are what she dreams about.
The support that these women have to compete is fundamental and the support that they require to be an Olympic Mom is even greater. Balance, love, determination and drive are all traits of an Olympic athlete and every mom that I know.
Motherhood is a blessing that has allowed me to stretch who I am, find balance in situations that seem insurmountable, and shown me that asking for support and allowing it to come to me is the only way to maintain my individuality, my quest to be a good mom and my determination to be a positive role model in the lives on my children.
Sports taught me a lot growing up and the dream of Olympic Gold was mine and Joe’s when we were kids. I think that it gave me a different level of respect for others accomplishments and an inner drive to be the best that I can be through the metaphor of a game.
I now translate those messages to my life; be the best that I can be and give 100% to what I am doing, I release the guilt from spending time for and with myself and know that giving 100% when I am with my children is more important than giving 100% of my time but not being present.
I may never be at the level of Olympic athlete but I can be my best and give 100% to myself, my family and my kids.
Off to make another Mommy Milestone.
