JoBoKwanAddict
June 29th, 2005, 04:20 PM
After Michelle's recent announcement of her quest for a 10th national title, 6th world title, and 3rd olympic medal, I'm quite thrilled. I've done a lot of thinking about life, goals, the purpose of competition. I'm right next to every person on this board in hoping she can win the Gold medal. However, while winning in football (gators), baseball (cubs) is so exciting, I truly believe it can be about the process and not the result. As an adult I now realize I was never the #1 athlete or best really at anything (except math). So, to me children, adults, teens can all learn a valuable lesson about life through competition, determination and never quitting or giving up. When Michelle won the 2004 national championship, I personally felt there was a weak field (just my opinion). After the short, I thought kind of like 99' she could make a mistake or two. But for her to go out there and skate that performance, that was something other than wanting to win. It was about acheiving "that" feeling. That adrenaline rush. I feel it alot of times on the treadmill at the gym when I don't think 4.25 miles is possible, but I hit 4.4. I think if I invested every waking moment in being perfect or the best at something, I would be setting myself up for failure. Because while we all try to acheive that one specific goal, we also instill in our mind that we could fail..which creates fear. My mom told me once, "what would you do if you weren't afraid of....." If you ask yourself that question and Michelle asks herself that question you will realize that so many things are beyond your control to a certain extent. Michelle can train hard, learn the point system, stay healthy and strong. But she cannot punch in her marks at the Olympics. So if Michelle wansn't afraid of failing, what would she do.....she would fly. She would have that footwork sequence from Tosca ala nationals. I am very excited about the upcoming season and all the scenarios that occur or could occur to me are pointless....i used to get worked up, what if this, what if that..I can't live life on what ifs. So, i'm going to sit on my cheap just graduated from college sofa...and my 27" TV...and watch. IF I had control and could choose the path to olympic gold for michelle, it would be 2nd place after short program (this instills a little doubt, but then she has to attack and not defend). Then skate amazing and win. I want her to skate with her heart, and I want her to know that in the arena, and in our living rooms, we are holding her hand.