I’m here for the big-hearted dreamers building beautifully multi-passionate lives. As co-host of the Rooted in Purpose podcast and a Purpose Guide, I share real stories, honest conversation, and practical tools to help you create a career—and a life—that feels like all of you.
Lessons from the Olympics: Don’t hold your broom too tight
The power of loosening your gripAs I write this, all that remains are the Closing Ceremonies. The final medals have been awarded. Some athletes have already gone home. Others are packing their bags. There are celebrations, disappointments, and quiet reflections. And I have reflections too. I’m thinking about Lindsey Vonn, who gave her comeback everything she had, competing with a torn ACL in her left knee and a partial titanium replacement in her right. After five surgeries (four done in Italy), she is still showing up, inspiring, and sharing openly about the struggle. And then there’s Brad Jacobs, whose team ended Canada’s 12-year wait for Olympic men’s curling gold. After one game, Brad said, “Maybe we were holding the broom a little too tight. Play loose. Have some fun.” Sometimes I hold my own "broom" too tight too. I drive toward outcomes. I manage my to-do list diligently, no matter how long it is, because I rest easier knowing it’s contained and moving forward. I connect the dots strategically from A to Z. I make plans and pursue them daily. It serves me well, except when it doesn’t. Not holding my broom too tight means leaving room for detours I couldn’t have mapped myself. It means allowing life to surprise me. “Play loose. Have some fun.” That part is harder for me. Most everything I do carries purpose. And while that intentionality is a strength, it can quietly snuff out my joy when I’m not careful. Yesterday was refreshingly different. Steve and I went to our local pub by the lake, The Dogfish. We were the only customers for three hours. They put the gold medal curling game on for us. Four screens, a long, lingering meal, a cocktail. I played loose. I had fun. Then I came home and took a two-hour nap, definitely my greatest accomplishment of the day, because I listened to my body and took time for rest. The lesson? So many. Whether you’re an Olympic athlete, a fan watching from the sidelines, or somewhere in between, there will be setbacks, losses, and triumphs. Public moments and private ones. Life is a glorious mix of all of it. Learn from it. Don’t take it too seriously. And try not to hold your broom too tight. With gratitude for it all, 20 Allister Avenue, Toronto, ON M1M3K9 |
Tamara Doerksen
I’m here for the big-hearted dreamers building beautifully multi-passionate lives. As co-host of the Rooted in Purpose podcast and a Purpose Guide, I share real stories, honest conversation, and practical tools to help you create a career—and a life—that feels like all of you.
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