One thing that I’ve really loved about watching the 2016 Olympics is hearing all of the personal stories behind the contestants. In many cases, the parents had a huge influence the athlete’s success.
While I’m definitely not an Olympic athlete, I’ve always told myself, “If I want to accomplish something, then I’ll do what it takes to make that happen.” In fact, in all my years of writing, I always had the mindset “when” I get published not “if.” It never occurred to me I might be a tad prideful, unrealistic, or deluded.
Part of my mindset stems from my childhood. I had the kind of parents who allowed me the freedom to dream big and to pursue my passions, no matter how big or small.
One year, in sixth grade, I decided to run cross-country. Of course, I had Olympic-size dreams. When I think back to that stage, I chuckle. But what strikes me most is that my mother didn’t chuckle. Instead, everyday, she got on her bike and rode alongside me as I ran up and down the hilly country roads near our home. Without fail she pedaled by my side, her steady words encouraging me.
Then there was the time in eighth grade I decided to be in the school play and take up acting. Once again, my parents let me dream big. They nurtured my creativity and they were my biggest fans. Even though I never did last beyond one year with either running or acting, their faith in me never wavered.
They believed I could do anything I set my mind to. And because they believed in me, I could believe in myself.
Now as a parent of five, I find myself in the very same position. I want to give my children one of the greatest gifts of all: the ability to believe in themselves.
My children all have various talents and abilities. While I hope that I can help them discover how God uniquely designed them, I also want to give them the freedom to dream big.
When my son says, “Someday I’m going to travel all over the world” I respond by saying, “Wow, that would be fantastic. Just imagine all of the people you might get to meet and love.”
When my daughter says, “I’m going to write mysteries when I grow up,” I tell her “You don’t have to wait. You can start right now.”
My oldest once wanted to be an artist, and he set up an “art shop” in a cardboard box in our basement. I gave him all the supplies he needed, and he spent hours painting and coloring on the walls of his “shop.”
Even though their passions may be temporary, and they’ll likely move on to a dozen other things just like I did, each of those experiences gives me a chance to encourage them, to believe in them, to teach them that they can do anything.
The lesson is true for all of us. We can’t reach for our dreams if we don’t start by believing in ourselves. I’m not talking about a showy, prideful attitude that we can rise to the top. But rather a quiet, secure confidence in our gifts and abilities, a steadiness to pursue our passion day in and day out, the belief that we have what it takes to accomplish what we set out to do.
Doubts and insecurities may come and try to weigh on our shoulders. But an unshakable, inner confidence needs to toss them off. Instead, we must continue to stretch tall. Reach high. And never stop believing we can grasp onto our dreams.
Today, I’m having another audiobook giveaway! In my last post, I gave away audiobooks of Rebellious Heart. I also just released the audiobook of Forever Safe (a stand-alone book in my lighthouse romance series).
To enter to win 1 of 5 Audible copies of Forever Safe, enter the Rafflecopter form below!
What are your dreams and are you reaching for them? And just for fun, what is your favorite Olympic event?
Jody Hedlund
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I love the women’s gymnastics at the Olympics. But actually, the Olympics are so amazing that I find myself watching events that I didn’t think I was all that interested in, and I am captivated by the power and skill of the athletes.
My favorite gymnastics event is the women’s gymnastics. That is always something I think it would have enjoyed doing myself. 🙂
One of my dreams is to have a small farm and raise livestock and grow crops for my family. I’m trying to head that way with lots of reading and making small changes as I can where I am right now.
My favorite Olympic event is the gymnastics, mens and womens. I always wanted to be a gymnast but wasn’t given the opportunity to try. To tell you the truth, I am not sure if I have any dreams. I wasn’t encouraged as a youth, rather discouraged to follow my dreams. As an adult I see that it wasn’t my parents fault, they were doing their best. But now that I have kids I want them to dream and try many things. Sorry this is such a depressing post, I didn’t mean it to be.
awesome give away!!!
One of my dreams is to travel and I have travelled more nationally in the past 2-3 years. My ultimate goal is international travel to somewhere in Europe.
I love watching Olympic gymnastics and swimming.
The dreams I’m pursuing right now are getting a leading role in our high school play, and finishing writing my first YA novel, When The Promise Fades. I hope to get it published! My favorite Olympics sport is women’s gymnastics, although there are several other sports I find very fascinating.
My favorite Olympic event has to be gymnastics! Love watching!
Thank you for a fun giveaway of audible reading book. The Olympic games is one form to share with any age; hard work, discipline , and knowing you can do your best what ever your dreams are…you can do it. Gymnastics I really enjoy.
My favorite event is women’s gymnastics, but I enjoy most of what I’ve found time to watch. TY for the chance.
I am not a sports fan but do like to watch women’s gymnastics and swimming on occasion.
I have had different dreams over the years. My dream now would be to see some of America that I have not seen and to be healthier.
Thanks for a chance to win your audio book.
blessings, Tina
Definitely women’s basketball
I just dream of getting to travel to all 50 states. I like watching the swimmers.
I dream of traveling. I want to see every state in our country. I would like to see the Great Lakes and visit a lighthouse or two along the shores that have protected seamen for generations. There is so much to offer right within our own country’s borders. As an American History buff, this seems like a nice dream!
I’ve always enjoyed watching women’s gymnastics, but since marrying the love I my life 14 years ago, I’ve started watching the races as well. My husband used to run the 400 and I now have a better appreciation for the sport.
I like gymnastics.
My parents were never encouraging of my dreams, my younger brother’s dreams yes, but not really mine or our older brother’s. After awhile there really hasn’t seemed much point in dreaming. I don’t have the will-power or that burning desire that makes things happen. So, I guess I read. It’s easier to live vicariously through fictional characters, and even my little brother’s adventures as a dog sled tour guide and now an airplane mechanic in Alaska.
I used to love watching the winter Olympics as a kid, especially figure skating and the luge, but I haven’t really watched them much in years. Not really a sports person. But I do love watching the Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races, talk about nail-biting drama and adventure!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win! I love listening to audiobooks and with my Kindle and little portable speaker I can carry them with me no matter what I am doing.
Blessings!
Jasmine
I have three goals in mind currently: finishing my anthropology degree with a teaching certificate, getting a house of my own, and starting an Etsy page to sell some of the crafts that make me so happy to create.
I just gave birth to our second child so goal one probably won’t start until next year now. We are meeting with our bank to start getting our finances in order for goal two. Goal three is something that I just need to decide to do but I’m a little conscientious of my work and need to find the funds to start the endeavor.
Though my patience and excitement are tried at times, I have faith it will work out in the end.
My favorite Olympic event is the marathon! My dream is to write a children’s book. 🙂
I am trying to give that encouragement to my kids. Growing up with kind parents but ones that worried about you wanting something because it probably won’t happen attitudes it feels hard at times. I am about to sign up for online school and show my kids it’s never too late to learn.
I enjoyed watching the volleyball.
I love to watch the gymnastics eventos but this year, I have watched both the swimming and track events because if the repeat triumphs of Michael Phelps and Bolt. Skating is my favorite in the Winter Olympics.
Women’s gymnastics is my favorite Olympic event! 🙂
I love watching the woman’s gymnastics with my almost 5 year old. She gets so excited for them. 🙂
My dream is to be self sufficient. Not only for the financial reasons but for health reasons also. I have a garden, I try to can and freeze all that I can. Plus my parents have the farm next door so I have home raised beef. I have a long way to go…. we have made our chickens into pets so I’m still buying chicken at the store. Lol Plus, processed food is just so convenien… but every year I buy less of it.
My dreams are to keep my family happy and show others Gods love.
My favorite event is gymnastics!!!
My dream has been to be a wife and mother, I’m still waiting on the Lord for this one.
I love to watch swimming/diving and gymnastics!
I have a dream to live in Colorado Springs and enjoy the beautiful sites . My favorite part of the Olympics is the swimming, but I also enjoy beach volleyball and gymnastics. 🙂
My dreams are to have tons of time with family! long vacations ect. I love watching track and field so fun!
Gymnastics
I don’t really have any dreams anymore, but in hindsight I’m thinking I need some dreams to have more fullfilment in my life. That must be why the day’s just blur into one another. I need a dream! I will find a dream!
Btw… favorite summer olympic event would be a tie between swimming and diving.
I love love loveee badminton!