Brendan Hansen Online: Video Page Updates & Inspiration

Friday, January 07, 2005

Video Page Updates & Inspiration

I've just added several files to the video page including:

HDTV coverage of the 100m Breast Medal Ceremony including the victory lap, the 100m Breast SemiFinal and the 200 Breast Final (all compliments of Verbal)
Aaron's 200m back in Sydney where he won silver in an amazing race with Lenny.
Kitajima's Dolphin Kick in slow motion, not that it needs to be in slow motion for anyone to see it, unless you are a ref anyway. :P
and finally, Brendan's 200m Final from 2000 Trials

I got an email from one of our new bloggers recently who asks...

See, there's a lot to this "I'm a competitive swimmer" thing, and lately, I've been losing sight of my goals and my training. I feel like I'm sinking a little, and I need some inspiration to get me back where I need to be.

Of course, I don't know what you, or the girls, could do to get me out of this. Inspiring quotes, stories, ANYTHING at this point that would help me get around this block would be eternally appreciated.

I came to you for help, because y'all are such unfailling supporters of Brendan and the Trio......I was hoping there was a chance you could send a dose of that my way.

So help a girl out! What inspires YOU?

32 Comments:

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

By SimEsther, at 1/07/2005 7:43 PM
Hey it's Esther and Simmy! We are really big fans of Jewel. Her songs and lyrics are always uplifting and inspiring. Here's one that you can find on the inside cover of her cd Spirit. We hope this helps you and everyone through your tough times.

"Cherish your vision: Cherish your ideals;
Cherish the music that stirs in your heart.
The beauty that forms in your mind.
The loveliness that drapes
Your present thoughts,
If you remain true to them,
Your world will at last be built."
James Allen

By SimEsther, at 1/07/2005 7:44 PM
Inspiration? And, I should say, I swear I'm not saying this because Brendan reads the blog:

I taped a few of the swimming events in Athens, and one of the ones I taped was the 4x100 IM relay. Because that race gets. me. pumped. I'll watch that race and just be like "OMG I WANT TO GO SWIMMING RIGHT NOW!"

I'm not sure if this helps NewBloggerGal, but it may inspire some other people. In short: I suggest finding an athlete/race/whatever that you love and using that to get you motivated to get out there and do it.

By a, at 1/07/2005 8:11 PM
What inspires me? Well, it's related to archery. I do archery in an outdoors club that I started to go to last September.

The second time I was there, I noticed this elderly gentleman, he must be in his early 70s. He has arthrosis in his ankles. He has them bandaged and they're twice the size as normal. He walks with the help of a cane. It takes him 20 minutes to walk the distance between the entrance and the shooting line and he does it. He sits on a chair, get his bow ready and starts shooting. He shoots all his arrows with such magnificence and grace. It's implied that the person shooting next to him goes gets his arrows for him.
This is a person that always has a smile for you and thanks you every single time you get his arrows to him. He always has a nice word for you and even helps you with yout form and technique.
Sometimes, he even notices someone is busy so he actually tries to go get his arrows on his own casue he does not want to be a bother.

I find so inspiring to see him have the strenght to overcome his self at his age and still practice the sport he loves.

And always with a smile. You know it has to be painful for him to walk and go do things, but he does it with such a spirit.

I hope this helps a little. There's lots of people around you that overcomes their selves each day in order to do something. And for me, those are the most inspiring ones.

By Lena, at 1/07/2005 8:21 PM
"Because I knew you ... I have been changed for good.."

Every single person who has changed my life has been through swimming. Knowing that the people who inspire me for everything have come from the sport of swimming. But its because I know I'm not alone when I wake up at 430 every morning to go to swim practice. My teammates are right there with me and even my coaches. My family has never pushed me to do this but they have always supported me. They have made so many sacrifices to give me the oppurtunities swimming has given me and the joys that have come from swimming.

After my shoulder injury in 1999 when I tore my rotator cuff, I thought I would never swim again. But I did and I still am. Its because of swimming, my family, my teammates and my coaches that have kept me going even when I wasnt training for a while. They never gave up and they wouldnt allow me to give up on myself. It was hard to come back from such a horrible injury.

Just know, that I and most likely every other swimmer has gone through points like this.

Just remember, swimming is supposed to be fun not a chore.

Have fun with it! Best of Wishes! I know you can do it!! Just keep at it!

Everything worth getting is worth working for and is worth the sacrifices!

If you need anything else or want to know the full "story" or just need some advice don't hesitate to drop me a line! :) AIM: ChickletC81

By Christi, at 1/07/2005 9:01 PM
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By Kimberly, at 1/07/2005 9:14 PM
Wow, this is a tough one. What we really need is a response from Brendan. Or his roommate. Or his brother, the coach! (*cough*hint*cough*)

I agree with atrophy that the 400 medley video worked wonders for me, but not on a competitive level, more on a fitness level. And just being a fan has inspired me, made me enjoy the community of it all.

Another thought -- make sure you're in the setting that fits you, because that will give you inspiration. Find the right coach, the one who jives with your line of thinking. I once had a coach -- a very successful coach -- who told me to 'drink milkshakes' to gain weight. I was like, "Milkshakes? THAT is your idea of nutrition? You're a numnut." I had another coach who gave me the set 4x200's "your stroke" the day before a meet. My stroke was BUTTERFLY. I almost asked her if common sense had skipped her generation.

And if you're on a club team, you should not only find the right coach, but the right workout regime (I like evening workouts, some people like mornings better), the right people (who pushes you? who cheers for you? who annoys you by not waiting 5 seconds behind you and then poking your feet all practice?), etc. There were swimmers I wanted to beat, and then there were swimmers I wanted to beat up. So much of the enjoyment and inspiration comes from context. I've gone through this not only with swimming, but with school, work, and life in general.

One final and not all that pretty question: Is it maybe swimming itself that's not working? Sometimes there comes a point where something you love...well, you love it a little less. I hope that's not it, but it's okay to be ready to move to the next thing...

By crackinup, at 1/07/2005 10:02 PM
BTW, I know my post wasn't insprirational in and of itself, but it was meant more to give you a mechanism for finding that inspiration on a regular basis. Good luck!

By crackinup, at 1/07/2005 10:12 PM
I know this might sound cliche to some people, but for the most part my friends inspire me. I know most people would say friends *and* family but I think you get more feedback from friends. Cause obviously you know your family loves you and supports you. But at the most random times I'll get a comment from a friend that really touches me. And I sit back and think of what they had just said you might not realize it at the time when someone asks for advice or just someone to vent to. But when you least expect it you will get a thank you back and that's what really keeps me going. If im having a bad day or thinking im not doing something right with my life, i just think back at what other people have said to me and it gives me faith to go ahead and do what I wish to do.

And someone really special this past fall inspired me so much. I had broken my leg and ankle this past July and was not really mobile until the beginning of October (after all my surgeries). At that time i started to go to physical therapy. Each day i had to go i would wake up and moan to my mom how i didnt want to, because it hurts to much or i was tired that morning and wanted to skip it. But of course i knew in the long run, i had to do this for myself or i wouldn't get better and learn how to walk again. I guess it was the 3rd visit to PT when this man came in with his wife and he was in a wheel chair. His wife wheeled him into the back where i was and set him up on the other side of the room. My physical therapist was working with me when he said "John take your leg off and I'll be right there". I sat there and watched this 70 yr old man lift up his pant leg and remove the bottom half of it. I sat there just looking at him, thinking I'm complaining of a broken leg when this poor old man has to learn to walk with a fake one cause he lost his. I felt so bad. Anyway I was doing PT for a good 4 weeks and during that time i became friends with this man and when I was doing my exercises over by him, i would just look at him and that in it self gave me strength and inspired me. To overcome my injury and really look at the big picture that my injury was so small compared to his. He would smile at me and as the weeks went on he would give me small complements like "See I knew you could do it! You're walking better already". And those words meant so much to me. It just pushed me to hold out on the pain and do my best.

Sorry that was kind of long :-x

By Kim, at 1/07/2005 10:44 PM
Advice on how to get ahold of your goals and training?...wow. i wish i had some inspirational story to tell but I dont and i was never good at giving advice.
Inspiration wise i can just echo what the others have said so far in relying on family and friends to support and have your back when you need them. It always helps me to know i can always talk to my parents when something is bothering me or i need advice.

As far as getting your goals back in focus there are two quotes that always help me. the first i think is by Henry Ford. "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small pieces".. and second. "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal"

I love the first because i think everyone has an image of what they ultimately want to achieve in life. The road is often long and hard and sometimes you become overwhelmed and lose focus on how to get there. I always find if you make tiny goals to achieve on your way to the "ultimate" goal then it doesnt seem so hard or impossible. The second quote is sort of like the first in that when you hit a rough patch like you are in now its hard to know how to get back in it. i guess thats when family and friends come in and ......WATCHING A FEW KICK *SS SWIMS FROM OUR BELVOED PUMKIN help a lot.

I dont know if this helps or just confused you even more..=( but like i said i was never good at giving advice. Take care!

By jenny, at 1/07/2005 11:06 PM
Hi- Since I don't know you personally, I'm not sure that some of the things that have inspired me will work for you, but I have a few ideas that you might want to consider to help get your mojo back.

First, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments, both in and out of the pool. I don't mean just think about them for a moment. Block out some time, go to a quiet place where you can focus, and write down all of the significant things that you have accomplished in your life. After you have written that stuff down, look at your list. Think about what it took on your part, and all of the committment you invested in order to achieve those things. I'm guessing that your list is pretty impressive. Be proud of your accomplishments, celebrate them, and use them as a foundation to set future goals.

Second, you said that you are losing sight of your goals. Do you know what your goals truly are? Grab that paper and pen again, and write them down. Make sure that you have the power to achieve those goals-don't make them too lofty. I once heard that goals are dreams with legs, so give yourself some legs. To do this, write down all of your goals. Then write down all of the actions it will take to achieve each of those goals. Put deadlines next to each of the actions, and start slowly working at these action items which will lead you to your goals. Review your list often to see the progress that you have made, and use it to remind yourself of where you are going. If you get to a point where something isn't working, maybe you need to take a different action, or rework your goals.

Third, try something that you think has nothing to do with swimming. Volunteer in an elementary school's computer lab, or go visit the elderly at a nursing home. You don't need to devote all of your time to things like this, but an hour a week of giving your time to someone else may be all you need to focus in the pool. If volunteering isn't your thing, maybe start up an effort to enhance or beautify your workout venue, take a fun class through a college extension, or take up a new sport. There is a lot of stuff out there to try. You may find something special in a new activity that will greatly enhance your swimming.

Finally, take in your surroundings and enjoy them. Do stop and smell the roses. There may be something that you look at every day, but you never really saw it before, and you discover that it inspires you.

I hope some of this helps you. Please keep us informed on what you are doing. You definitely have my support and good wishes.

By No Good User Names Left, at 1/07/2005 11:46 PM
I'm enjoying reading what everyone's writing here. A very insightful group of gals! By the way, I just noticed Simmy and Esther's login: SimEsther. HAH! Funny ladies, very funny.

I had two postscript thoughts. First is that I heard this quote recently, and it's apparently been around a while, but it's new to me and hit home. "You can have it all, but not all at the same time." This is so very true, and keeping that in mind has helped me focus on the things that are important NOW, rather than what I haven't gotten to YET. It's a good motto for impatient overachievers like myself. (Though atrophy gave me another good motto today: "Sale is my favorite designer." HAHAHA!)

Second, I was just at a bar watching this awesome jazz/funk band play, and I was inspired twofold by the fact that the guy sitting in front of me looked an awful lot like Aaron Peirsol from behind.(Hypothetically, I suppose, since I've never seen Aaron in person at all much less from behind, which led to a whole internal dialogue about whether or not Aaron would be skinnier than this guy). This inspired me to a) prepare an elevator pitch for Aaron (hah!) while simultaneously chair dancing, and b) eventually stand up to dance, so I could see what the guy actually looked like. He was cute, but alas, it was not Aaron.

By crackinup, at 1/08/2005 4:02 AM
To the competitive swimmer (sorry this long). I am probably in a very different place in my life than you are. When I need some help, whether it is to vent, looking for encouragement, words of wisdom, or just a hug, I go to my sisters. They give me their honest thoughts, optimism, and strength. At times this can include some yelling and battling, but I know where it is coming from. I also take time to process their words and take a really good look around me. I see people that have daily struggles just to be able to make it through the day. Mothers with sick children coping with an illness she has no control over. Yet in many cases, we do have control over what we want in this life and the goals we set for ourselves. The moms, I mentioned above, they are heroes to me. The seventy-year old man someone mentioned earlier, he is a champion to me.

One line that always gets me through, although is doesn’t appear to be an inspiring phrase reads like this: ‘Know that you are exactly where you are suppose to be’. Your responsibility in this life is to figure out why you are there and once you do, you are able to move on. The reason may not have anything to do with your own life goals. In some cases you move on, yet the answer does not reveal itself for years. Life can be difficult but as we go through these times we develop an inner strength that will never fail us. Know that during this time, you are gaining strength. Are you gaining strength to help you with swimming or life? Trust me on this, there are times you will scream, I am strong enough I don’t need anymore crap in my life. You have to work through it. While many people can inspire you, know that you are the only one that is able to get you to the place you want to be.

As for competitive goals, my advice is to talk with your coach. See what can be done to change your practice routine. Together, figure out what your long -term goal is, and make a list of short- term goals that are difficult to reach yet attainable. Treat them as stepping stones and celebrate each victory. Always strive to do your best. Don’t focus just on yourself but fellow teammates as well, meaning, give to others the same encouragement, which you seek. In doing so, your rewards will be great.

You have a dream. Is it to compete in the next Olympics? Is it to attain a certain time in your event? Know what it is you really want, make sure you have the tools within yourself to get it, then, in the words of my nephew Brendan, ‘Chase your dreams’.

By Aunt K, at 1/08/2005 8:21 AM
"You see things; and you say 'Why?'; But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?' - George Bernard Shaw "

" I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability; it was my mental ability." - Bruce Jenner

These are two of my favorite inspirational quotes. I love the first one because it reminds me that unless I make a conscious effort to make my dreams reality, they will remain dreams. I know that whatever it is I truly want to do in life, I have the power to make it happen, or at least try. It helps to have the support of your friends and family, but you also have to want this for yourself. You are the one putting in the work. You are the one who is swimming the laps day after day. You are the one with the vision. You have the believe in yourself and get your strength from within.

The second quote I love because I have always felt that mental toughness was always harder to achieve than physical toughness. There are people in this world who have natural ability. I am not one of them. Any success I had in sports was all about me having the mental ability to push myself and put in the work. I believe the greatest athletes in the world are the ones who are mentally strong. I can't think of a single athlete who hasn't gone through some adversity in their career. The great ones are the ones who took that adversity, learned from it, and kept on moving. They didn't let their dream stay a dream.

Perhaps this is just a times of adversity in your career. Take some time to process that and see what you can learn from it. If your dream is to continue with swimming, I know that you have it within yourself to keep on going. Best of luck!

By Stephie Mc, at 1/08/2005 9:39 AM
My Mom just came in my room and wanted to know why I was sobbing. I showed her Aunt K's post, and she joined me! A couple of years ago, my cousin who was only 4 months at the time, went into the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He suffered, and battled for his life for 7 more months until finally my Aunt pulled him off the vent and let him go. He died 13 days before his first birthday. What inspires me in life is seeing people like my Aunt who gave up everything she had in life to bring peace to someone. The most heart wrenching thing was hearing my Aunt tell him "just go baby, just go" as he was breathing his last breath. I think about that when I am upset, or when I want to give in. I think about what it took for her to do that, and I know that nothing I am going through right now is anywhere near that difficult.
My sister, who is my best friend in the world, lost her fist born son Zachary. She was 8 months pregnant when she didn't feel him move, she went to the doctor and they told her he was dead. She carried him for 3 more days, until they could schedule delivery. I asked my sister a while ago, what got her through that time. She said she had to make a conscious decision to live and to live a quality life for those who can't.

I am not a swimmer, so I don't have any sports related inspiring stories or wisdom for you. I do, however, know that we as human beings are stronger then we give ourselves credit. Just when you think that you can't go on or that you can't deal with the struggles, you somehow find the strength. I'll leave you with my favorite quote by Mother Teresa :

"God only gives you things he knows you can handle. Sometimes I just wish he didn't trust me so much."

PS. Sorry this was very personal and somewhat depressing. My Aunt now has two precocious little ones that we all spoil immensely. My sister has the cutest 1 year ever, and she just told us she is pregnant again. I thought it would be better to leave you all on a happier more hopeful note!

By Kimberly, at 1/08/2005 10:12 AM
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By Michelle, at 1/08/2005 10:22 AM
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By Michelle, at 1/08/2005 10:28 AM
Can I just say how much I love this thread? It's got me a little choked up this morning, and a lot inspired.

Some Quotes and an affirmation...

It is not the critic who counts,
nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly;
who errs and comes short again and again;
who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions;
who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be with those timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.
-Henry Van Dyke

The main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what lies clearly at hand.
-Thomas Carlyle

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.
-Thomas A. Edison

I'm a strong enough person to accept failure, but I'm not strong enough to handle not trying.
-Unknown

Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start where you stand and work with whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along."
-Napoleon Hill

The Champion's Affirmation

I am a champion. I have the will to win. I have the will to overcome handicaps and disappointments of any kind. I am emotionally strong and I understand that winning and losing are just part of the game. I set high goals and work hard to achieve them. I have the ability to summon great reserves to rise to the occasion.

I am a champion. I believe I will win. I am positive I will win. My attitude is one of cool, positive, aggressive confidence. I am emotionally strong. I don’t let anything bother me. I just keep pushing on. I have courage. I have the ability and the will to get up off the floor and to come from behind to win. I never give up. I have tremendous concentration. I focus all my faculties on the job at hand.

I am a champion. I love the struggle. I love the competition. The tougher the competition the better. I stay relaxed and emotionally in control under any conditions. I am a champion and I will win.

By Michelle, at 1/08/2005 10:31 AM
Now I'm a little weepy but not in a bad way. Everyone has times of self doubt and feel like they are at a place where things just don't seem to fit. I just try to see the bigger picture. All the hard times and doubt are just things you have to get through to get to where you need to be. It's kind of hard to appreciate the good times if there aren't some bad times thrown in there. You just have to look to the future and where you want to end up. If you truly love swimming,like I do,even though I'm more of a floater...lol...just keep on doing what you love. Sometimes we focus so hard on what we are doing we forget to just have fun. Maybe if you focus on how much you love the sport,the motivation and joy will come back to you. Best of luck and I hope this thread helps. :)

Here are some quotes I love even though they might now apply exactly...

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert F. Kennedy

"To laugh often and much;to win the respecto of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. That is to have succeeded."

"Our greates glory is not in never failing,but in rising up everytime we fail." Ralp Waldo Emerson

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could;some blunders and absurdities have crept in;forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day;you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." Ralp Waldo Emerson

"While we may not be able to control all that happens to us,we can control what happens inside us." Ben Franklin

Hope I didn't repeat any. And just because it makes me smile...

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Walt Disney :D

By blairbecky, at 1/08/2005 10:47 AM
Michelle,I did repeat yours but now we know it's doubly inspiring. :p

By blairbecky, at 1/08/2005 10:54 AM
Not sure where to post this, so I put it on both today and yesterday's "Inspring stories" blog.

I wrote that e-mail to Michelle, and I AM eternally grateful for all your kind words, stories, quotes, and general encouragement. Sometimes a girl just needs a reason to look at the stars, ya know?

I have printed out everything y'all wrote, and the posts hang on my inspirational wall: a little dividing wall in my apartment that faces my bathroom door. I'll ask Michelle to post photos of it when I'm done.

My last thing; I wanted to leave you with my latest musings, my self-motivational writing, and hopefully, for all of you when you have a bad day too.

Thanks again.

Steph

By Steph R., at 1/08/2005 12:33 PM
I am a champion, though I have no medals to wear 'round my neck, and no world records to prove it. Most people don't know my name, and I have never signed an autograph (except for my taxes, and the IRS guy didn't think it was that funny). But that's okay. Being a champion lies in the journey, not just the outcome. I get that now.

I am a champion. I am constantly tapping my foot, ready to go, too antsy to wait. Everyone tells me patience is a virtue. I disagree; mostly because I don't have it. Yet. Here's a secret for you: impatience is the real virtue, while patience is the side effect that develops from it. And yes, I think impatience is a good quality. So I'm still here, with my impatience, waiting patiently for that side effect to kick in. And then I realize it alread has, and I just wasn't paying attention.

I am a champion. I have spend hundreds of hours in a pool, alone, chasing my dreams along a single black line. Sometimes during my sets, I let songs run through my head, or I write little stories or articles, like I'm doing now; and one time, during a particularly heinous session of fly, I came up with the perfect plan for world peace. Of course, once I got out of the pool, I forgot it, so I have no proof.

I am a champion. I wake up every day with a new goal. Sometimes the goal is simply to make it to class on time. Sometimes it is to go faster during a set than I did last week; sometimes, it is to save the world, and at the end of the day, I have never failed. Sometimes saving the world starts with one person at a time.

I am a champion. I don't wish anymore. The few regretful things in my life have taught me that. I plan. I try the impossible, and usually, I find it's not impossible if you break it down a little bit first. Baby steps, darlin'.

I am a champion. Because being a champion isn't just about winning, or setting records (though that helps, I suppose). Being a champion is all about making it through the day, one day at a time. By getting in the pool, even when you don't feel like it. By being happy with who you are, and where your life is taking you. Because Aunt K is right; you are right where you're supposed to be. And knowing that makes an ordinary person into a champion. Though a medal would be nice, too.

By Steph R., at 1/08/2005 12:42 PM
Steph R, did you write that yourself? Because if you did, you're a champion writer too.

By crackinup, at 1/08/2005 5:04 PM
Thanks, crackinup. Yeah, I wrote it this morning, after a long chat with my coach, and after reading everything you guys have posted. It really means a lot.

By Steph R., at 1/08/2005 5:29 PM
As for who my inspirations are... Well, there are two, so here you go...

My first inspiration is my sister. She is much stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for. In the past couple of years, she has had to deal with so much. She had to change all of her post college plans because of her epilepsy diagnosis, and she did so with such grace. Her dedication to everything she does is unreal. Every goal she sets for herself she achieves, even the ones no one ever expects her to accomplish.

When family members teased her for being the "dumb sister," she turned it around on them and graduated almost on the dean's list. And really, my sister is one of the best people i know.

About 6 years ago, my sister would not have been my answer as to who is my inspiration, but our relationship has changed so much, and for the better. She can say the same things to me my parents do, but it means more coming from her. I know that it's hard for her to say some of the things that she has lately, but I really appreciate that she goes out on that limb to tell me the things she thinks I need to hear. My sister is truly inspirational!

The second person who inspires me is Ian Crocker. I admire Ian's courage to come forth about his battle with depression and the necessity to take medication for it on a daily basis. In all honesty, I've been thinking about Ian and his situation a lot lately. Depression doesn't just go away. I wonder how he is doing these days, after the Olympics and all of that craziness.

I am inspired that when Ian was at his lowest point he found the strength to somehow dig down deep and seek help. I'm inspired that though it all he managed to continue with his passion of swimming. I feel like if Ian was able to find the strength to move forward and come to terms with his depression, so can I.

By AimsRos, at 1/08/2005 11:30 PM
*Hugggggggs AimsRos and her sister*

Never doubt that we will always be here for each other. I adore y'all,truly.

By blairbecky, at 1/09/2005 7:22 AM
I gotta agree with Aims on Ian Crocker. He's an inspiration to a lot of people out there suffering depression. He lets them know you can fight it and you can be better, feel better.
I admire him for his courage to share his story with others. Is not that easy at all...

By Lena, at 1/09/2005 5:04 PM
Ok, I am late. But really I couldn't help it as we were at our cabin this weekend without internet connection (believe me it was painful--knowing these pictures were here waiting...) Lateness aside, I wanted to share what inspires me.

First of all, family and friends inspire me. No matter what's going on in my life I know I have someone to lean on. My sister and best friend are especially important. We're so close we consider ourselves to be Cererbus-like. I love them dearly; they really are my rocks.

Secondly, and I'm not saying this just because this is the blog, but watching Brendan swim inspires me. Knowing the story of how he missed the Olympics only to come back to shatter the world record is inspiring. If I'm feeling sad or just out of sorts I'll stick my tape of Worlds and smile almost immediatly; it makes me wish I had taped the Olympics.

Finally. music inspires me. And not just one particular genre of music but all kinds. There's always something to fit your mood and to make your day a bit brighter. I can't even begin to name all the songs that I find inspiring, but there is one that I find particularly inspiring. It's "This is Me" by Faith Hill. the chorus to which is:

"I don't know what you believe
or what you think of what you see
but this is a part of me
what i do and who i am
all my impurities
Are right here on my sleeve
This is me
This is me"

By lizook12, at 1/09/2005 5:15 PM
This one is tough for me to chime in on since I am not an athlete of any kind. But I think if I were a superhero my name would be "Plethora" which means "an abundnace of". And my superpower would be to inhance other superhero's powers. I don't see goals for my self very easily but I can so clearly see the potential in others. So I guess I could say that everyone inspires me. I love passion. Any time someone has a passion about something it makes me want to know about it. To see it through their eyes. Even if it is math or machinery. People are amazing with what they can accomplish. The ability of people to get over pain and grief and horror is inspiring. The fact that we look to each other when we need support is inspiring. The fact that we can give a hand up. And also when we find strength in ourselves and noone knows about it. That is inspiring. Once at a time when I was low, I saw this on a poster:
"In the midst of the winter, I found in myself, an invinsible summer."
It just remindind me that it is all a cycle, the snow will thaw, the sun will rise.

The pool will be there. If it is frozen, it will thaw. Just put your toe in. See? It is melting already.

By lala, at 1/09/2005 7:04 PM
That was beautiful lala

By Lena, at 1/09/2005 7:18 PM
I just wanted to add one more inspirational story that I just remembered.

When I was in college, I was in pep band. I went to a big time hockey school. Hockey was life. I never missed a game. My junior year, the first game of the year there was a freshman on the team named Travis Roy. Eleven seconds into his first shift on the ice, he was checked by a player from the opposing team. He went down and stayed down for about 20 minutes. It was a clean hit. We didn't think he was seriously hurt. We all thought everything would be fine.

A stretcher came out and carried Travis off the ice. We thought it was all precautionary. It wasn't until I got home and saw the news that I found out how seriously he was hurt. After a day we all found that Travis was quadrapalegic. This gorgeous, talented 18 year old had lost his ability to play hockey, to walk in only eleven seconds.

Despite his injury, Travis graduated in 2000 with a degree in communications. He does motivational speeches and he has also done some college hockey analysis. He also wrote a book about his experience (Eleven Seconds - Excellent book, btw!)

Travis still believes he will walk some day. He believes he'll play hockey again. He believes he will have a family.

To me, Travis is a hero. He reminds me that life is too short, too precious to let it slip away. Travis always says those eleven seconds on the ice will always be special to him because he was doing what he loved. We should all be so lucky as to do what we love. His belief and faith inspire me and he is someone who will always stay with me because of my pressence at the only college hockey game he got to play in.

By Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 7:09 AM
Oh,Stephie,that is both sad and incredible. Sometimes our bodies don't do what we want them to but only we can limit what our mind does,if that makes sense. Being positive can overcome so many things. Even when everyone at work is quiet and down,happens alot on 3rd shift :),I try to make them laugh or smile. It makes the night go by faster and makes everything more enjoyable.

I have a friend that deals with negative people in a silly way. She says she is in a bubble of rainbows and sunshine while they are in a bubble of rain and darkness. Most of the time people look at her like she's crazy but I understand her completely.

Lala,I may swim but I'm not in anyway naturally athletic. I've never competed for anything sportswise and don't really want to. :D It's more about how being in the water makes me feel. It's my stress free zone. I don't concentrate on how many laps I do or how fast I am. I just focus on making it from one end to the other and enjoying myself. I guess it's all about finding what fills in the voids in your life.

Now I'm all emotional. I don't think this thread is just for Stephie R. I think it's done alot for all of us.

By blairbecky, at 1/10/2005 11:50 AM

Friday, January 07, 2005

Video Page Updates & Inspiration

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