Inspired by Greatness

Although it may be hard to believe, I actually took a vacation recently. It seems every year, its decided for me, that I need to step away from volleyball and take some time for myself. And as well meaning as people are I never really step away from volleyball. I am blessed to do something that I love and that I continue to strive to become better at.... it's not a "typical" job that I need to walk away from. Coaching volleyball and directing a club is as much a hobby and passion as it is a job. How do you separate yourself from something that you love to do? Yes, there are moments away from the gym, away from volleyball, but my drive brings me back to what I love to do.

I fully recognize that my self worth and purpose is not directly tied to volleyball. I am a woman of faith whose purpose and worth is determined by my personal relationship with God. I am just blessed that God has placed this desire in me and given me the ability to pursue what I love to do. Do I have other passions and desires? Yes, without a doubt, and perhaps I'll be given the opportunity to pursue those as well in the future. But regardless of what I am doing, what I am pursuing, where I am in life I am always amazed to find others who inspire me to become more.... to become a better coach, a better director, a better daughter and sister, a better friend, a better person.

I am not sure if everyone feels this way but I am inspired each time I hear our national anthem. To consider what our founding fathers went through to "make" a nation brings me close to tears. When I consider the cold nights that Washington and his men went through, when I imagine Jefferson drafting the bill of rights, when I think about Franklin in lively debate in the continental congress I am in amazed. Thinking of those simple men who were placed in great opportunities and living up to their potential inspires me.

Each time I fly on a plane a I am reminded of the creative genius it took for the Wright Brothers to develop our flying ships. To think of a plane, breaking the rules of physical science, going against gravity and carrying people from one location to another is miraculous. Where do others gain their dreams, their visions, their ideas and then carry them out. Leonardo Da Vinci had such dreams and ideas and he too inspires me when I think of all he did. Considering Da Vinci did not live in the age of technology and yet he was still capable of envision great inventions and then developing them. There are many things that amaze me, and inspire me to become more and to become better.

On my recent vacation to San Diego, California I was once again inspired.... One of the places I love to visit when I'm in San Diego is Balboa Park. It's a beautiful park that houses the San Diego Zoo as well a numerous museums and gardens. While I was there I went to the Timkin Art Museum and was surprised to find a special exhibit on Rembrandt's etchings.

There are many things I would like to see in my life time that I wonder if I'll ever see with my own eyes. The day I saw the Parthenon in Athens, Greece was one of those moments that I will always cherish. The day I stood on the temple mount in Jerusalem, Israel was another. And too see work done by one of the greatest artist of all time was another moment that I will always remember. To see his work so closely and to study what this man could do, even only for a brief time, brought me close to tears.

As I stood in the room with approximately 15 etchings it inspired me... this man, this artist, could be something bigger and greater by what he accomplished... what could I accomplish in my life time? For whatever reason this moment in time I am a coach and a club director seeing these etchings makes me want to become an even better coach and club director. Rembrandt is not a role model for me but an inspiration for what a person can do.... when you consider the awesome power that this person had as well as the other great artists, inventors, scientists, politicians how does it not inspire us all to want to live lives of greatness? I challenge anyone reading these words... become the person you were meant to be, dream your dreams and live your visions... inspire greatness and live legendary.