Just Like The Colonel.

It’s January, and every year at this time I get caught somewhere between looking back and looking forward.  From an organizational perspective I think it’s safe to say that in 2011, we hung on for dear life and stayed grateful.  We took some risks, said good-bye to too many athletes who passed away, and in over 100 New Mexico communities – we watched in awe as over 2600 Special Olympics athletes did what they do best.

No one really knows what this year will bring.  It’s hard to figure out who to listen to or what to believe, but inspired by the very qualities that I see in our athletes – here are three things that I am going to do and invite you to consider doing in 2012, as well.

Embrace HOPE.  And I don’t mean the wishy-washy kind of cautious optimism that comes and goes depending on the circumstances.  I am committed to a strong expectation that says there will be new possibilities and wonderful reasons to celebrate over the next twelve months and will do as much as I can to make that happen.

Pick your TEAM.  Playing with people you like can make life a whole lot better than playing with people you don’t.  Even in the worst of times and hardest moments your perspective and level of endurance can change when you are surrounded by people who are encouraging, kind, and live with integrity.  That kind of team can make anyone’s heart happy – and as we set our priorities and work hard to make them happen – be assured I am deeply thankful for mine.

Do chicken RIGHT.  Months ago we started working on our  next organizational strategic plan.  I met with a woman who asked me if I could identify ONE thing in my job that if done right, would have a huge impact and a broad ripple effect on our athletes. It got me thinking – about Colonel Sanders and his single-mindedness.  There is something to be said about keeping the main thing the main thing, and there is something to be said when we don’t.

I encourage each and every one of you to take the time to think about your 2012 and those things you will commit to.   I pray that moving forward we all stay hopeful – play together- and whatever it is that we choose to do – on behalf of our Special Olympics athletes – we do it right.

Two Words.

This week there’s been two words that have lived in my head and my heart, and I decided to express those words out loud in this final blog of 2011.  You may be thinking “Merry Christmas”  – and as much as I LOVE and treasure this time of year and hope that each one of you fully experience the wonder of this season – those aren’t my two words.

Special Olympics is a movement of unseen acts of kindness.  Not only in New Mexico but all over the world, people are giving gifts of time and love on a daily basis that go unseen and unnoticed.  No plaques – no letters of commendation – no pats on the back.  These kind deeds are intentional, and they are most often simple, humbling, and beautiful.

There are too many instances to share, but just to give you an idea – they include the many coaches who on a regular basis drive athletes back to their group homes after practice because if they didn’t – those athletes wouldn’t get home.  There’s the countless number of elderly citizens who commit $10 dollars they don’t really have on telemarketing calls to help send  Special Olympics athletes to Special Olympics Games.  I am reminded of the day of event volunteers who mail birthday cards to athletes they meet at our Games – later discovering that these would be the first pieces of mail those athletes have ever received.  And then there are the chaperons, who starting at midnight often end up changing bed sheets throughout the night because sometimes at Special Olympics competitions – things like that just happen.

You probably have guessed that the two words I have chosen to share are “Thank You,”  and I mean those words from the bottom of my heart.  For honoring the spirit of Christmas not just this month but all year-long, may each of you be blessed.

A First

This week I received a letter from a law office in Denver, CO informing me that Special Olympics New Mexico would soon be receiving $4,052.39 from a woman who left us in her will.  I believe this is the first estate gift we have received in the nineteen years I have worked here.

When I read the letter a lot of thoughts went through my mind about who this woman was; what motivated her to leave us a gift; what she might like her money to accomplish.  I wish I could thank her in person and share with her all of the things we have been working on and are hoping to get done over the next three years.

For some reason, I feel a different kind of attachment to this donor who took the time to stop and think about giving a gift that would come to fruition upon her death.  I have thought more about interpreting the meaning of her act.  Giving is intentional. It has the power to change, to teach, to provide, to inspire, to create and to sustain.  It speaks to our abundance and deepens our thankfulness.  As important as giving is – this woman’s act along with every gift that is given on behalf of our athletes reminds me there is equally as much to be gained by receiving.

Receiving connects us - and that my friends is one of the best gifts of all.

A Better Place

Over the past few months we have had several athletes from around the state pass away.   Whenever it happens, I often hear the words - ”Well, (he or she) is in a better place now.”

I would guess all of us have spent time thinking about what happens to us when we die -where we will go, and what it will be like.  I for one have thought and read a lot about that subject and have chosen to believe there is a Heaven.  To say that I believe it is a “better place” is a tremendous understatement.

Last weekend for fifteen hours I watched 603 athletes challenged with intellectual and physical disabilities participate in our Regional North Bowling Competition.  I witnessed passion, accomplishment, excitement, laughter, relationship, joy, compassion, freedom, safety, dignity, belonging, appreciation, encouragement, sharing, respect, and love.  Although Starlight Lanes is a very nice place – we weren’t in Heaven – there were just lots of  moments that made it feel that way.  Here’s my point.

There are so many people with and without intellectual disabilities who are living each day lonely, wishful, sad, bored, unfullfilled, and unloved.  While we still can, it’s just not right if we don’t do something more to make their world and our world a Better Place.

Meant To Be Shared

Last Sunday Special Olympics New Mexico held its statewide invitational basketball competition.  Six courts – forty-two games –  five hours.  Here are four comments I overheard that do a pretty good job of describing our day.

1)   “Hey dude, what’s goin’ on’?”  —  ”Good. I’ve been practicing.”  

2)  “Man that was a GREAT game!” — “Ya, I know. Did we win?”

3)  “Hey Mom – HE DID IT! Peter finally made a basket!”

4)  “This is making all the difference in his life.  He has a whole family of friends now.” 

I love Special Olympics competitions.  They are usually my very best days.