The Rewards of Dedicated Parenting and Other Lofty Goals

Holding my sleeping granddaughter today who is all of four days old was blissful. Many things in life give satisfaction but some moments go beyond that to bliss. Everyday that you invest in the well-being of your children you are putting yourself on the road to bliss. When you give your authentic, best self to those who mean the most to you,you simply can't fail to reap a rich reward. Watching my daughter put that tiny baby in one arm while she went to serve up a snack for her three year old son I knew that in that moment it all seemed routine for her and tiring but I also knew that day upon day of service like that would in the end be richly rewarding to her. I knew that because in that moment I felt so proud of her and so confident in her that future generations that I will never know will be effected by the kindness and gentleness I saw in her today.

Another part of my day I watched my personal training students at Heritage College take on an extensive hands-on test of their ability to take clients through a variety of mobility and stability assessments that will set them apart among other personal trainers in being able to prevent injury and maximize results. I watched students who had overcome shyness, self-doubt and other personal issues excel. They are hard hit by rising gas prices and job scarcity but they find a way to get there and they devote themselves to following their dreams.

The night before I was lecturing on triathlon at a community center for a group of athletes getting ready to do their first or second triathlon. They were focused, inquisitive, and ready to overcome their fears and take a chance. You can see in their attitude and demeanor that they will be successful. Similarly, I saw the same focus and dedication in a group of instructors I was a part of at Pilates 1901 where we were all training to be Stott Pilates instructors. This past weekend I saw the same striving for excellence at a USAT coaching clinic run by two of the top triathlon coaches in the world. The ones that get our Olympians to the starting line and to the finish line.

All of these recent experiences have this in common: people with a vision and a goal doing what it takes to make their dreams a reality. Young parents invest for a long time to get their kids in the game and to the finish line in character, capability, competence, and well-being. Like coaches,trainers and athletes they hone their skills and give their all. They want to be the best they can be because so much more than an Olympic gold medal is on the line. The very well-being of the young lives that depend on them is what is on the line. And it is reached one snack, one smile and one word of wisdom at a time.

Look around you just as I have reviewed what I've observed the past few weeks and notice the unsung heros in your midst. Realize that you are also one of them every time you put someone who needs you's well-being ahead of your own comfort or ease. Stretch and grow and be an inspiration to the young ones in your midst. Exercise the values you believe in and enjoy the inevitable rewards.