Hello my lovelies,
For those of you that follow me on Instagram (polkadani, by the way), this post should come as no surprise, as I've essentially been building up to it since the end of July! Before the Olympics landed in London I was vaguely looking forward to it as I did quite enjoy the Beijing Olympics while they were on too, but I certainly wasn't expecting to become obsessed to the point where every break at work meant whipping out my phone to see what event was currently live, and more importantly how Team GB were doing in the medal table! If the Olympics weren't impressive enough, I have absolutely been blown away by the Paralympics - it has truly been an inspiring summer and I am desolate now that it has ended.
Thanks to my fiancé spending his time hooked up to the website I have also been extremely fortunate in terms of obtaining tickets. I got to see the dressage twice, visited Wembley and the terrific Olympic Stadium, and even squeezed in a last minute visit to the Aquatics Centre (absolutely incredible!) Each time I was blown away by the jovial atmosphere, the companionship and the general happiness of the crowd, with people from all countries laughing and crying together, swept away by the emotions created by the athletes' efforts.
Aside from my visits I have been eagerly soaking up every bit of coverage I can, screaming at the television and playing different events on any possible type of media. It really has made me want to see more events like this on television - especially equestrian events as I'm a bit of a horse freak - and I do wish there could be a sports channel dedicated to showing sports other than football, rugby, cricket and F1. I really don't know what to do with myself now it's over - I have no vested interest in X Factor, and football really has lost its gloss for me, as it appears to have done for many others. Where is the passion, where is the determination? Where are the people fighting against disadvantages to achieve their dreams?
On a personal level I felt so much more appreciation for the Paralympic athletes. I don't want to take away from the Olympians as I feel they all worked equally hard and I am proud of every single athlete that took part this summer, but the Paralympians were truly inspiring and on many occasions moved me to tears. I read somewhere that it was at the Sydney games where the Paralympic athletes became equals, but it was only in London where they became heroes, and I do hope that the coverage and attention lavished upon them will not die out once the flame is extinguished tonight.
I truly feel that the slogan of the Games - to inspire a generation - has come true over this glorious summer. How many times do we sit there and tell ourselves we cannot achieve what we would like to do, how many times do we make excuses for our inability to dream big? I know I do - I tell myself I'm not clever enough, not hardworking enough, that my health issues are holding me back, that my depression is the reason I can't do the things I want to.
My grandad has always told me that there is no such word as can't - it is an attitude we condition ourselves to maintain, that it is a habit. Well, habits can be broken. My fiance has a dream in mind now, to make it to Rio one way or another. Spurred on by his ambition, I feel it is the time to break my own self-destructive habit. I want to dream big. I want to make myself proud, no matter how hard or how long it takes. My journey starts now - how about yours?
For those of you that follow me on Instagram (polkadani, by the way), this post should come as no surprise, as I've essentially been building up to it since the end of July! Before the Olympics landed in London I was vaguely looking forward to it as I did quite enjoy the Beijing Olympics while they were on too, but I certainly wasn't expecting to become obsessed to the point where every break at work meant whipping out my phone to see what event was currently live, and more importantly how Team GB were doing in the medal table! If the Olympics weren't impressive enough, I have absolutely been blown away by the Paralympics - it has truly been an inspiring summer and I am desolate now that it has ended.
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| My patriotic outfit for the Athletics! Dress - H&M/ hoodie - Sports Direct |
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| Sophie Christiansen riding for gold! |
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| The night I saw Jonnie Peacock, Oscar Pistorius and Alan Oliveira run - amazing, my 2012 crushes I think! |
On a personal level I felt so much more appreciation for the Paralympic athletes. I don't want to take away from the Olympians as I feel they all worked equally hard and I am proud of every single athlete that took part this summer, but the Paralympians were truly inspiring and on many occasions moved me to tears. I read somewhere that it was at the Sydney games where the Paralympic athletes became equals, but it was only in London where they became heroes, and I do hope that the coverage and attention lavished upon them will not die out once the flame is extinguished tonight.
I truly feel that the slogan of the Games - to inspire a generation - has come true over this glorious summer. How many times do we sit there and tell ourselves we cannot achieve what we would like to do, how many times do we make excuses for our inability to dream big? I know I do - I tell myself I'm not clever enough, not hardworking enough, that my health issues are holding me back, that my depression is the reason I can't do the things I want to.
My grandad has always told me that there is no such word as can't - it is an attitude we condition ourselves to maintain, that it is a habit. Well, habits can be broken. My fiance has a dream in mind now, to make it to Rio one way or another. Spurred on by his ambition, I feel it is the time to break my own self-destructive habit. I want to dream big. I want to make myself proud, no matter how hard or how long it takes. My journey starts now - how about yours?
