Are you feeling the Olympic spirit?

Did you watch the opening ceremony for the Paris Summer Olympics on Friday? Any of the sports on the weekend or this week? It may not surprise you that I enjoy watching the Olympics, especially the summer games.

In the lead-up to the Olympics, my husband and I watched some of the US team trials. Specifically, running and related track & field events, which are my favourites. I also love watching the gymnasts. It's usually during the games when I learn about specific athletes, as several are profiled. I'm always rooting for Canada, and if we're not in the finals of a particular event, I decide on the spot who to root for... sometimes it's the underdog.

I'm always so inspired watching the Olympics and am reminded how resilient and adaptable our bodies can become, and the power of the mind. When you think about it, even though these sports require much from the human body, the critical factor is the mind. Attitude, beliefs, and ability to move through (sometimes many) setbacks and challenges can distinguish one athlete from another.

The more life we live, the more all of us learn the reality of how challenging things can be at times. Perhaps it's this knowing that makes us full of such admiration, inspiration and joy for the athletes that have overcome seemingly insurmountable hurdles on their path to victory. Have you ever watched one of these competitions and been brought to tears?

Pushing ourself to our physical limit is a journey, and one that Olympic athletes showcase the results of on a world stage. We don't see the daily habits and practices that lead up to the final moments. Nor the internal growth, self-talk, and silencing of the mind. But we know that all this must happen to partake in such prestigious competitions. Not to mention all of the unseen non-althletic hurdles people around the world face everyday.

Athletes make physically manifest the challenges of growing and striving to be our best. The Olympics are a kind of microcosm, metaphor, or even mirror for human life. This may be part of why it draws so many spectators worldwide, both athletes and non-athletes alike. We're all capable of recognizing a job well done and appreciating a person reaching, and even surpassing, their personal goals and dreams. They show us that it can be done. It's hope for us all.

Have you ever been motivated to change something in your life for the better after watching the Olympics? Are there particular events that inspire you? Do you have a favourite athlete? Any memories from past Olympics that have stayed with you?

Do you have any rituals where you watch with the Olympics with a group of friends or family members? I grew up in a sports loving family, so we watched a lot of sports on television.

While I enjoy cheering for all our Canadian athletes in Paris, it's exciting to know we have three from right here in Niagara:

• Mohammed Ahmed from St. Catharines is a long-distance runner
• Sabrina D'Angelo (no relation!) from St. Catharines is a rower
• Kristen Kit from Welland is the backup goalkeeper on the women's soccer team

It was also exciting to watch the women's 400m freestyle swim on Saturday, where Summer McIntosh won Canada's first medal of the games. This 17 year-old from Toronto won the silver medal. At age 14, she was Canada's youngest swimmer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The gold medal winner, Australian Ariarne Titmus also won gold in the previous Olympics and is the current world record holder. In addition to challenging competition, Summer McIntosh has also dealt with the death of her coach and her father's cancer diagnosis in recent years. Her ability to focus and compete at such a high level at such a young age has inspired many. We look forward to seeing more.

When you visit the shop over the next couple of weeks, it may not surprise you to hear updates on the latest events at the Olympics. We're all following along with great interest. Go team!