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My new motto: Live to inspire

June 3, 2009 02:03 PM | Posted by   Heather Moyse  

Wow – I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve updated my blog. I am so sorry that it’s taken this long. I guess part of the reason is that not much has been going on as it’s off-season, but also that I’ve been pretty busy.

I know that doesn’t make much sense, but let me explain. Where did I leave off? The end of a chapter.

Well, I’d like to start off by talking about the start of a new chapter! My new nephew Samuel Henry Seaborn (Sam) was born in Toronto on May 18, weighing in at 9lbs 14oz!

And talking about the start of a new chapter, I am now a few weeks into my new training program -- starting the Olympic season! Yikes!

I feel like time is going to fly by now. After taking some mandatory time away from physical training, we started Phase I of our training.

Although my body is feeling pretty good these days, I’m also getting regular treatments to help with the ongoing rehabilitation of my shoulder and to make sure that my body is aligned and functioning well during these early stages of training.

It takes me about an hour to an hour and a half each way to go to and from therapy here in Toronto -- the downfalls of living in a big city and not having a vehicle.

'Adopted' by two schools

What was I up to before that? Well, I was in Toronto for one week, then I was home in PEI for two weeks with my parents. During my stay I had an interview with the Occupational Therapy Department and Human Resources at the hospital, discussing opportunities for work at times when I’m home.

I also did school visits at Greenfield Elementary School and the Leadership class at Three Oaks Senior High School.

Both schools had approached me in the spring and asked if they, as a school, could ‘sponsor’/ ‘adopt’ me. The schools would hold some fundraisers for me in exchange for school visits, speaking to some of the classes, and simply being a role model that’s better than Britney Spears!

I'm not putting down Britney

Now, I’m not taking this opportunity to put down Britney, but I understand the difference when it’s someone who’s tangible, visible in the community, and not just someone seen on a screen or in a magazine. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be able to do what I can and give back.

Kaillie Humphries and I were asked to speak at a couple of schools in Vancouver for the Community Outreach Program, put on by Petro Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

As the theme leading up to the Olympics is 'Paint the Town Red', it was great to see the schools decorated and the kids dressed in red with maple leafs painted on their faces. Both sessions seemed to go really well.

We actually had two students from each school wear our racing speedsuits and run into the gymnasium as though it were the Olympic stadium, with all of their fellow classmates cheering them on! The energy was great and the smiles were abundant!

I was also in Whistler for a couple of days for a Lululemon photo shoot, and then spent a few more days in Vancouver for the Olympic Excellence Series – a symposium put on by the Canadian Olympic Committee at which 92 potential 2010 Olympians gathered to listen to motivational speakers, participate in workshops, and talk to the media during a full day and a half media summit. It was a busy few days, but was well worth it.

A phrase kept flashing in my brain

Throughout the workshops there was a lot of self-reflection about the goals we have for ourselves, for our teams, and what we want to get out of this whole process.

Although there are a number of things that I came up with – reaching my potential, standing on the top of the Olympic podium, etc. – the phrase that kept flashing in my brain was (and continues to be) “live to inspire."

I want to live my life (both in sport and out) to inspire greatness in others. I may only inspire my ‘little’ brother or my nephews, a neighbour or a client. But I may also inspire one lost teenager, a classroom full of children, or a whole generation of youth.

Maybe that inspiration will come from standing at the top of the podium, or maybe it will come from my drive and determination in the attempt, or the things I do outside of sport.

I just know that I want to inspire other people to reach their potential in whatever passions they have. Because no matter where you come from, everyone is good at something.

Wow, that was a lot of catching up to do! I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention something, but will make sure to bring you up to speed when I think of it. I hope you’re having a great spring so far, wherever you may be.

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