Sixty-four year old Diana Nyad completed a life long dream yesterday through perseverance. She swam all the way from Cuba to Florida, becoming the first person to do so without a shark cage. This was her fifth try to accomplish this feat in the treacherous waters of the Gulf.
Now that is what I call never giving up. Perseverance!
She first started this dream in 1978 and now 35 years later at the age of 64 she is trying again. I find this so encouraging. She keeps trying and adjusting her technique, learning from the past and trying again. Another trait of perseverance.
Her words inspired me as she acknowledged to the CBS reporter that past attempts have brought physical pain and emotional heartache but also gave her clarity.
You shoot for the stars and when you are up there in the heavens, playing around, trying to touch those stars, you get a lot of satisfaction and do tap your potential.”
- No matter your age, you still can stretch yourself and learn something new. New life lessons.
- No matter your age, you can still dream.
- No matter your age, you can still attempt that dream.
- No matter your age, try and try again.
- No matter your age, the stars are waiting for you.
I read this quote from her the other day:
“When I walk up on the shore in Florida, I want millions of those AARP sisters and brothers to look at me and say, ‘I’m going to go write that novel I thought it was too late to do.
I’m going to go work in Africa on that farm that those people need help at.
I’m going to adopt a child.
Its not too late, I can still live my dreams.”
Wow! The stars are waiting for all of us.
What inside of you is calling you to try once again?
Yes she wins for all of us and inspires more of us to reach higher.
Ladies like this win for us all. Well done.
That last sentence really resonates with me, Jean. You are so right!
Hi Nancy. I keep seeing her on the news and each time she says something inspiring. I guess she has a TED talk; haven’t seen that yet but want to. Like what you said about God valuing our growth. Sometimes it is the trying that contains the lessons, not just the victory.
Thanks for stopping by Christy, I keep hearing more of her quotes and just love her enthusiasm and encouragement. What a role model!
Diana is a powerful example–especially to us “of a certain age.” We must not give up, but keep pursuing what God has laid on our hearts–what he’s given each of us a passion for. Rarely does he smooth the path perfectly and make every door open without even turning the knob. He values our growth in the process–the strong faith, impassioned prayer, disciplined effort, calm patience, and dogged perseverance that only develops over the course of time.
Thank you, Jean, for the reminder about stars waiting for us. They are sparkling at the end of the tunnel!
Wow, that is pretty inspirational! I cannot imagine the courage or the mental & physical strength it took for her to reach her goal.
Christy @ A Heartening Life
http://www.ahearteninglife.com