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| Working Mom dreaming about competing in the #ParisOlympics |
Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share my experiences on this blog so that we can learn together.
Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world.
Like the rest of the worl, I have been captivated by the Olympics. And this post's lesson comes from the Olympics.
This may come as a surprise.
However, I will never appear in the Olympics as a gymnast, equestrian, or runner.
I could still appear though. I might take up archery—older people can do that—or
I might take over as Snoop Dogg’s BFF if things don’t work out between him and
Martha Stewart. Also, since break dancing and table tennis are Olympic sports,
something I am good at might be on the horizon—something like overcoming
difficult ish. I could win the gold medal in that for sure.
NEWSFLASH: Yusuf Dikec won Turkey's second medal at the Olympics and the country's first ever medal in shooting, taking silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. He won without. wearing the standard gear, without lifelong training, and without practicing the standard technique. At 51, his Olympic dream has come true. He achieved that dream with grey hair wearing dungarees to boot! We can all be inspired. Just because you don't do things the way folks expect you to doesn't mean you can't win!
The Moms Competing at the Olympics Remind Us that Moms Can Do Anything
Even if my Olympic competition
days are unlikely, I have something in common with the moms who are competing
in the Olympics. I have learned the art of balance. Indeed, I have been so
impressed about what I have learned about these talented, committed athletes
who are competing while nursing babies, caring for toddlers, and otherwise just
being moms.
These women remind us that mothers are merely women who have had children. And, a s women, they have dreams, goals and aspirations for achievement. And, becoming a mother can enhance what you are able to do. It doesn't have to impede it. That said, as a society, we have to normalize mothering while working. To that end, recently learned that Allyson Felix launched the first ever
nursery in the Olympic Village (click on this
link
for more details.). (Allyson also has her own athletic shoe wear line and so many Olympic medals that she can barely carry them!) Her effort has allowed mothering athletes to continue to compete with greater ease. Kudos to her for using her platform to make life easier for the athlete coming behind her. As the old adage goes, we lift as we climb!
Allyson and these other moms have reminded me that moms can do anything!!!
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