There can be no better time to follow your dreams. After witnessing so many exceptional performances at the Olympic games, who wouldn’t be inspired and want to emulate our nation’s finest athletes?
So today found me away from my laptop, sitting in the saddle riding my bicycle. Now I’m not saying this to brag. As I’ve said, who wouldn’t be inspired by the cycling performances from Sir Chris Hoy, Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins in the London Olympics. They should get another medal for getting this baby boomer back on to a cycle.
But the legacy these Olympians and all the others leave is more than just the inspiration they give this old chap. It is the nudge they’ve given many, their performances have literally said to everyone ‘follow your dreams’, let us be your inspiration.
The London Olympics 2012 have inspired many in all sorts of direction, specifically to get off their backside and make more of their life. It’s fantastic what these games have created within people.
I wasn’t alone on this cycle ride. Rachel who is recovering from her operation, and has had a rough time was so inspired by our Team GB performance in the cycling event, that she was the instigator of today’s ride. It was the first physical exercise she’s been able to do in over 4 months, so an important moment for her indeed. Yet another awesome result of these Olympic games.
I wasn’t too impressed by the fact I couldn’t keep up with her. I’m off to Halfords Superstore to get myself a quicker bike immediately. I have to put the blame on the equipment, that can be the only reason.
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman
So back to today. To celebrate my cycling adventure, and get my backside some well needed relief I took a detour to Starbucks. There I was enjoying the soothing taste of the coffee, and the soothing rest for my aching bits when I overheard a conversation between two 20 something’s.
The one said, ‘Can you believe how pathetic some people can be.’ She then went on ‘look at this tweet’ as she passed her phone to her male friend. He said ‘Oh, Amanda always tries to be different’. He continues ‘Why would she announce such a message, it’s stupid.’ The girl completely agreed, saying, ‘yes, how stupid she’s going to look when she fails to ‘follow her dreams’’. A strange reaction to a friends tweet about how she wanted to follow her dreams. Surely she should be supported by them, and they in turn should get the message that maybe its time people to ‘follow your dreams’. But not this couple.
Wouldn’t it be so much simpler if we all just say ‘Good for you’ when somebody tries to better their life and follow their dreams.
The truth is, those of us who are doing what we want with our lives will always run into naysayers, doubters, and people who think they know better.
I would guess it’s the naysayers, like that young couple in Starbucks, who feel disconnected from what they are doing in life. They get up, go to work, do what they must, and come home knackered, with no prospects, and certainly no dreams. Despite their young age, they’re stuck and pretty much thrown away any dreams they could have had.
Now is the time for them, for you, for everybody to take the inspiration given to us by the Olympics, to invest time in discovering and pursuing your dreams. And as Nike says, ‘Just do it!’ Now go and follow your dreams.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau
