I don't know about you, but I've been emotionally exhausted for what feels like forever.

Between politics, war, major layoffs affecting folks I care about, my mom's health, and on and on, I'm tired and have just needed to put my head down to get my own stuff done for what seems like ages.

This past Friday, however, I tuned into the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics, and suddenly I'm feeling rejuvenated and enthusiastic for the first time in a very long, long time.

As a kid, I loved the Olympics. I was dazzled by swim-god Mark Spitz winning his 9 gold medals at the games in '72 and awestruck by 14-year-old Nadia Comaneci scoring the first ever perfect 10 in gymnastics in '76.

I love the tug-on-your-heartstrings stories of athletes, the down-to-the-hundredth-of-a-second finishes, the nail-biter routines and feats of athleticism.

And, yet, the last few Games I've been totally checked out—they barely registered.

But oohlala Paris! I AM ALL IN.

And, it feels so good to be invested in something that inspires, motivates, and enlivens the soul again.

Here's some of what I've been drinking in from the initial weekend of the 2024 Games:

• Go Your Own Way​
  Paris delivers the first Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium and it is c'est magnifique. Unlike prior games, they include international Olympians and para-Olympians in the traditional torch passing & lighting ceremony, too. And, a stellar Celine Dion performance from the Eiffel Tower. Just wow!
• Down But Never Out​
  US cyclist Chloé Dygert falls during the time trial event due to slippery road conditions on the first day of competition and still manages to win the bronze medal.
• Bounce Back Stronger​
  Two years ago, Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee is diagnosed with two different kidney diseases and told she'll likely never do gymnastics again. She is one of only two US competitors to qualify for the women's individual all-around, balance beam, and uneven bars competitions later in the Games.
• Age is Just a Number​
  Simone Biles, the GOAT, out-scores everyone by a wide margin during both days of women's gymnastics trials, even with an injury. At 27, she's the oldest American woman to compete at the Games in gymnastics in over 60 years. And, Great Britain's Andy Macdonald, 50, is competing in skateboarding!
• Actions Speak Louder Than Sentiments​
  This Olympics marks the very first time in history the number of female athletes competing is equal to the number of male athletes. It's been a long time coming—124 years, in fact, since women were allowed to compete in the games at all.

If this year's Olympics just isn't your thing, that's cool. Check out the Disney film The Young Girl and the Sea, for a dose of inspiration and motivation, which is based on the historic and history-making real life achievements of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel back in 1928.

Before that happens, Ederle is invited to join the first ever US women's Olympic swim team by none other than Olympic Committee Chair Jim Sullivan (played by my brother). That team took home a gold medal and those games happened in Paris in 1924!

It's a great reminder that everything is connected and that tomorrow's opportunities are built upon today's actions.

Until next time,

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