“Hard days are the best, because if you can push through hard days you can do anything.” – Gabby Douglas

Olympic inspiration at it’s best.

When I watched an interview with America’s newest golden girl Gabby Douglas after she became the first African-American all-around Olympic champion and the first US gymnast to earn the team gold in the same games, and her her say that quote I was full of emotion. Her story is motivating, her talent is undeniable, and her smile is simply contagious.

I’m not going to retell her story – it’s everywhere – but I do want to share one of the many things about this girl that moves me.

Champions are human. If she and her family didn’t talk about it openly we would never know that earlier this year this same 16 year-old girl was homesick, miserable and ready to quit. In her time of weakness her family supporter her. When she wanted to stop she pushed through. Months later she’s the best in the world. Imagine if she made a different choice? How many times do we give up too easily and stifle our greatness? We all have challenging moments – even champions – but it’s how we deal with them that separates us.

As a mother of two athletic kids, I love that they’re hearing this story and pray that it resonates within them – not just in sports, but in academics and anything else they choose to pursue in life. I think there’s a misconception amongst kids (and many adults, too) that if they’ve found their passion they’ll love every minute of it. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Hard-work, determination and, yes, challenges are all part of any journey.

Winks & Smiles,