Dreams on Ice

Dreams on Ice
by Mike Scogna

I'm at the ice rink watching my four and five year old girls in their skating class. They love it. They fly around the rink saying: "Daddy watch me go backwards! Watch me turn!" I enjoy seeing them progress and gain confidence. It's great for them to watch the older skaters too. The girls imagine themselves doing jumps and spins like the older kids.

After class the rink opens to anyone who wants to skate and the kids always want to stay and test out new moves or just have fun. Tonight the kids say hello to an older women entering the rink. She is sixty something with gray hair, old-fashioned glasses and a tutu outfit similar to what pro ice dancers wear. But she is not a pro. Her name is Bertha and she is frumpy and akward on the ice. Her body is far from athletic. Many spectators giggle and point at her. Most of the skaters are kids. The few adults on the ice are very good skaters getting some exercise. They wear sweats or track suits--not tutus. The oldest are in their forties.

Bertha glides around the rink gaining speed then leaps, spins and falls with a loud thud onto the ice.  Several observers gasp and wince. That had to hurt. She stands up, grey hair askew, and with a determined face skates around the rink picking up speed...faster and faster. Bertha leaps, spins and misses the landing again, falling hard on her rear end. She laughs, tries again and falls. And again. After witnessing four hard falls I can't watch anymore.  

But Bertha carries on: focused, determined and smiling. Every Friday evening you can find her at the rink smiling her secret smile amid falls and spectacular wipeouts. She loves skating, wants to do it and is willing to work at it. Bertha does not care what anyone thinks about her or her skating. She focuses on her own thinking about what she wants. Bertha is having fun.

Bertha could allow doubts and excuses to stop her: "I'm too old", "I'm too busy", "I don't have the money", or "I don't know how". She ignores the habitual excuses and focuses her faith on her dream. And the dream robbers disappear.

When tempted to put my dreams on hold, I think of Bertha in her tutu racing around the ice rink smiling. The dreams win every time.

For 15 years, Mike Scogna has been helping people and organizations in over 40 countries, from start ups to Fortune 500 firms, realize revolutionary results. Through his keynote speaking, writing, consulting and videos, Mike helps you understand your mind and transform your thinking so you can achieve your goals and live your passion: creating a life worthy of you.

Learn how to create a life worthy of you at BuildYourBliss.com.

© 2008 Mike Scogna. All rights reserved. You may use or forward this article in its entirety to anyone you wish. Please include the byline, bio, website link, and copy right info.