The thrill of victory is a moment in time you can revisit over and over again. I never get tired of reliving the memories myself---or enjoying any and all I am honored to experience in others' lives. There is something very special about reaching that pinnacle that makes the countless hours and sacrifice so worth it.
This past weekend, our family had a chance to share in the THRILL OF VICTORY as we all watched VANESSA GREEN and her Irish Dancing Team (under 12 years old) gather up a generous armful of winnings at the IRISH DANCING COMPETITION, earning a sure ticket to the IRISH DANCING WORLD COMPETITION in Ireland in 2006, including 10th in her solo performance and two FIRST PLACE wins by her team.
We watched hours of amazing talented young women and young men do their routines, but when Vanessa and her team hit the stage there was a marked distinction in their excellence---a sharper kick, a sense of a team united as one and small innovations in the ordinary that truly made their performance extraordinary. As I watched I remembered visiting her home when she was just beginning some years ago. In a room full of family reunion chatter that day, she stood quietly in a corner, listening...but also her little feet were tapping out the steps she was learning all through the afternoon. I knew --- she had the magic that would take her somewhere.
There is one undeniable mark that distinguishes the thrill of victory from all other moments. It is in the glowing FACE ... with the sparkling eyes ... it is mirrored on all those who love you and share the moment of joy.
One reflection I had watching and experiencing the wonder of it all was that the thrill of victory always comes wrapped up in GRATITUDE ---- gratitude for the gift of determination you were given, the countless hours of hard work, the long list of supporters and family who sacrificed in one way or another, the blessings that were showered on your dream to make it come true.
“Miracles happen after a lot of hard work.”
--- Sue Bender, Plain and Simple
As you step into this season of gratitude, reflect on the “thrills of victories,” big and small, that have given you moments in time to remember and to find strength in once again. The thrill of victory doesn’t always come with a “blue ribbon”. I’ve found it sometimes is a quiet moment when you know you reached inside to pull out your personal best in some way. When you relive those special moments, honor them with gratitude, knowing they were milestones in bringing you to this place in your life. Remember what you learned from those experiences that can be applied in your life today.
What thrills of victory would you like to achieve for yourself?
Claim it now! Get to work on it every day...
and we’ll be cheering you on in the distance!
Debbe Kennedy
Visit Women in the Lead at the Global Dialogue Center
thanks for the interesting comments about our dancing girl and the success she has determened to get...you go girl!!!
love nonni
Posted by: carolyn | November 26, 2005 at 10:35 PM