Believe

I was closing the gym last night when I received a phone call that had me feel a variety of emotions within the short three minute phone conversation. It was close to 9:30, and I was exhausted and trying to help one of my co-workers gather up the many items her wonderful daughter scatters throughout her hours spent there, and trying to help another with some office questions. The phone rings and I was reluctant to answer, as I was sure I couldn't be much assistance with computers finally off and if by chance it was an angry parent, catching me after nine and a half hours of work was in noway a good time to have a conversation. But to my surprise it was a 14 year old girl who simply said, "Hi, I would like to be on your team." After gathering some back information, this girl was at another gym involved in an optional program ( a relatively new program for students "too old" by competitive standards, still talented nonetheless and basically still willing to shell out money when it could be better served going towards a college fund). This girl was addemant and I of course had to tell her, that yes, she was too old for our J.O program, but perhaps she could fit into our prep optional program and she should come in to be evaluated.

I realize that this does not seem like a significant conversation, but it was what she said next that really hit a soft spot that I have always had for the over achiever, the underdog and the ambitious.

"I know that I am older, but I have four years until I graduate. I will work so hard. I want to be a college gymnast and compete for either Kent or Ohio state. I know that you need to be at least a level 10, but I really think that I can do it if someone will give me the chance."

Yes, this girl, whom I have never met pulled at my heartstrings because I have heard this time and time before and I know what I will have to say to her on Monday. That realistically this is not going to happen. That less than 3% of gymnasts receive college scholarships and that most would have been near a college level at half her age for an opportunity like this.

Then I began to think about how pathetic that is for me to judge her. Who am I, even as a professional in my business, to tell someone what they cannot achieve in life. Why does age have to be so indicative of what we will accomplish. I have found myself feeling down and out recently because of my 25th birthday. That I have let time pass me by and I have wasted most of it, and that I am becoming too old to accomplish some of the things I long to in life.

Hogwash!!! Senior citizens are climbing Mount Everest, 40 year old mothers of three are reaching amazing fitness goals and becoming world fitness models, the list could go on forever. Who am I to say that with the right mindset and someone to believe in her, this girl could not walk on to one of those gymnastics teams in four years? Why are we so quick to tell others what will be impossible for them to accomplish?

Never limit yourself. Never let someone else tell you what you can and cannot accomplish at any age. Never. Plain and simple.