My Daughter Has Become My Teacher

Yesterday Sunday, I had the privilege of watching my daughter compete in a triathlon where she came in third place. She missed coming first by sixteen seconds. That's right 16 seconds not minutes but, she wasn't worried just having us there cheering her on and knowing we were there supporting her was all that mattered. It was simply the proudest moment of my life. Sacrificing my Sunday lie in and getting up at 5am, to pack a picnic lunch and get on the road by 6am didn't even feature at that moment.

It is these times when you feel that all the good, all the bad and sad times were worth it. I have watched most of my daughter's sports days from her first egg and spoon race, to her swimming galas, inter school athletic days. Yes it has meant giving up many a Saturday lie in, driving long hours in a car to the different venues, some days having to deal with disappointments and some days dealing with the joy of a deserved win. I am sure many a parent can relate, so what is so special about this occasion?

Having not done any sports for the last 6 years due to us moving ten thousand miles from Africa to live in London. My daughter has only recently had the opportunity to get back into competitive sports with the army. Last year on a borrowed bike, certainly not the fastest and without all the specialist shoes and equipment veteran cyclists' use, she managed to come in 2nd place. Upsetting quite a few people. This year she has decided she wants to compete in triathlons combining her swimming, running and cycling attributes from her school days and come in 3rd place in the first one she has run this year. Now she has made up her mind to make the Olympic team and go to Brazil. A huge feat one that is going to take focus, determination and shear guts.

As I face the challenges of running my own business and dealing with my fears, my daughter is teaching me to take life in both hands and just go forit . Give it everything you've got, stop waiting for the perfect tools, perfect conditions and the perfect time. Start the race and just focus on the end goal. You will and can win if you just leave your fears behind. There is plenty of time to plan, change and do the course corrections to get the results you need. For now join the race and go for it.

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