making my dreams tangible...for the record, I truly believe every victory Ryan and I have on the ice if 1/4 theirs' as well), Ryan for always having my back (and often my front, leg, and arm as well...), anyone who challenges me to be open, vulnerable, and honest, and Jon Stewart for giving me some comic relief! :) I am sure I forgot loads of people, so just consider yourself thanked as well...
And now, on to the dirt... Where do I start? I guess the Olympics would be a good place. Wow...Olympics...who knew?! The whole Olympic thing to me is so surreal. (Justin Pekarek used to tease me when I used that word but I think it is very apropos. ...I also think I have made my vocabulary quota for the entry--hahaha.)
For me the Olympics have always existed as an idea or a symbol; they represent an alternative solution to the problem of power. So the fact that I am to be a part of this awesome, universal, celebration, well I cannot really wrap my head around that. I do not mean to sound jaded or ungrateful, but the whole Olympic thing (or at least my part in them) does not seem real.
So, when someone asks me: "What it is like to be an Olympian?", I tell them: "I do not have a clue", or "I will let them know later".
Here is what I do know. I know that we leave Feb. 8th for Italy and I know that I am scared that I will not soak enough of it in. (How is that for a strange, irrational fear?!) The thing is, this whole month has been more tumultuous than I ever envisioned --a lifetime in a few weeks.
I have run the gamut emotionally and found myself victim to the "shoulds" (how you should feel, how you should act, how you should look...). I have come to realize that, being a part of this amazing thing does not change the intrinsic person I am (nor should it!).
I will be so proud to represent my country in this celebration of peace and I hope to pass along some smiles along the way.
With that in mind, I will leave you with my current mantra (courtesy of one of my yoga teachers, Eric Paskel): The BODY acts, the MIND feels, and the INTELLECT reasons, deciphers, and instructs.
Have a safe, happy, and healthy February!
Hugs,
Jamie Silverstein |
