September 2013

Diana Nyad swam 110 miles, from Havana to the Florida Keys. She is 64 years old and was attempting for her fifth, and final, time. When she got out of the water she said, “Never give up”, and “You are never too old.” Wow. Let me repeat: she is 64 years old! And she swam 110 miles! Let me add that she was attacked by jelly fish and was throwing up during her swim.

This woman is my hero. She had a goal, a very difficult goal. She planned; she got support; she never lost sight of her goal. And she achieved it!! How many of us can say the same thing. It would have been so easy for her to say, “Well, I gave it my best shot, but I guess this isn’t going to happen.” No one would blame her. No one would think less of her. But she just kept swimming.

Think of the goals that you have. They may be work goals, relationship goals or personal goals. Think what support you need to be able to achieve your goals. Diana had a support team of over 35 people. Many of our goals we cannot achieve by ourselves. We need people around us to help support us and make sure that we are staying on our course. Make sure that you have all the tools needed. Diana had a special suit and mask to wear. Stay focused! As Dory would say, “Just keep swimming!”

That is the crux of it: don’t give up! In our culture, we tend to give up way too easily: whether it is a marathon or a marriage, we tend to throw in the towel the moment things get hard. Life can be hard, but those are times that we will learn and value the most.

If a 64 year old woman can swim from Havana to Florida, my goodness, think what you can achieve! Never give up. You are not too old. And enjoy the journey!