If you read the title of this blog post and laughed, you’re not alone. Many people simply do not think of themselves as athletic, let alone Olympic caliber.

But if you’ve lived awhile with the challenges of chronic illness and pain, you know well that it takes more than meds and a doctor’s appointment to live as healthfully as possible and forge from your burdens purpose and grace.

So, considering the strength it takes to do what we do, I like to think of each of us as elite athletes with an Olympic season right around the corner. We are, in many ways, “in training.” We observe our doctor-prescribed course of treatment carefully, much as those sports-centered athletes observe their coaches’ programs. We fold into our rigorously pain-peppered lives time for rest, knowing that this comfort is needed along with all else.

As athletes, we also pay close attention to the “mental” and spiritual part of training. We nurture our good relationships and find ways to celebrate our “small” victories. We pray and meditate, soaking in as much of God’s love and support as we possibly can – and then some! We prepare our spirits for the tough days ahead, which we know will come, and we let them soar on the days when we can rejoice at better outcomes.

As we watch the feats of the athletes in this year’s Winter Olympics, we can take much inspiration from their achievements and, especially, the way that they continue on, rising from accidents and injuries, and insist on at least striving for their personal best.

Yes, this new year is our Olympic season! Ready? Set! Go for it!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen