I admit, like everyone else, I have Olympic fever. As a woman in my later thirties, you won't be surprised to learn that my hero is 41-year-old, mother of a 2-year-old daughter, and insanely fit swimmer Dara Torres.
Why is she so inspiring? For me, it's not because at her age (love that phrase) she is going against all the odds by competing with women half her age. It's because Dara is a huge reminder to not buy into all the rules that are around us, rules and limitations that most of us have chosen to live with in a silent life contract.
Do any of these sound familiar?
"I can't do that. I'm 40 and I have two children, so I'm too old."
"I'm a mom, so I can't do that."
"We have been married for 10 years, so we don't do that anymore."
"My body has been like this for the past 15 years, so I can't accomplish that."
The list of things in this invisible contract goes on and on.
Where do these rules come from? When the Pilgrims came across and met with the Indians, did they all sit down and write up some social protocol document?
How about if we all just write our own creed to live by?
- Support yourself and surround your life with positive people. Stay away from the nay sayers, and stick with the people who are trying to fight the fight.
- Read books and turn off the TV. Keep your mind and perspective young, and don't let your own thoughts get too clouded by watching too much television. Television can really inhibit the process of original thinking.
- Stay healthy and keep moving. A strong body helps with a strong mind. Not to mention the fact that keeping your "vehicle" healthy helps you have an enhanced life experience.
- Ask yourself, "Why not?" We are so afraid to try something new for fear of being silly or inappropriate. When this happens ask yourself, "Why not?"
Life is short so why not go for the gold every day? Winning and accomplishing is a lot of fun, but the long lasting impact of doing, and trying, is infinite. After all, who do you want defining the rules of your life? YOU or the forces around you?
