Lessons from the Kentucky Derby
I am a Kentucky Derby fan. I was born in Louisville and although I grew up in Florida, I found myself going to the University of Louisville for both my bachelor and graduate degree. The city evolves around this one day every year, which usually has amazing stories filled dreams, hopes, and an unparalleled commitment by all those involved. This year was remarkable. The first ever female horse trainer won the Derby in 152 years and two brothers came in first and second. These are the things movies are made of and this one would be no different. Their accomplishments were not about overnight success but about a trainer and a jockey who had a dream of what could be. The horse found itself at the very back of the 18 horse field as the race began. Golden Tempo was not known to start strong in races and in this race, he would be up against his most fierce competition. However, the jockey and the trainer believed this horse had it in him to win. The trainer's last words of counsel to the jockey was "Don't get bunched up on the inside. Look for an opening and go for it." The jockey heeded her advice and one by one, he passed every horse. He found himself a neck in front of the "favored" horse to win the race. Golden Tempo's odds of winning were 23-1. What a sight to behold! As I was watching the race, I was reminded of what it can sometimes mean to be a parent. There are times when we feel like we are at the back of the pack, never knowing if we will see the finish line, much less win. We can get discouraged and overwhelmed by what we see in front of us when we compare ourselves to other parents. Yet, we need to follow the wisdom of the this trainer and jockey. Here are my summary of the lessons: 1. "Don't get bunched up" - In other words, don't focus on what others are doing or saying. This is your journey and what matters is that you do what you need to do and be who you need to be to get where you want to go. 2. Follow the doors that open for you - one step at a time. Most parent/child issues don't happen overnight and they don't get fixed that quickly either. 3. Your focus has to be on what you have the power to control. You no longer have the power to fix, change or manage your child and his or her behavior. What you do have is the ability to maximize who you are and how you show up with your child. 4. Keep your eye on the goal. What does a healthy relationship with your child look like to you? Write it down and get a vision of it in your heart so you are clear in what you are working on today. 5. Victory is not a one time thing but it made up of moments over and over again that reflect a mindset and determination to reach the goal. Both the trainer and the jockey have days where they win and lose, sometimes on the same day. What they don't do is quit. The review their horses strengths and weaknesses, their strategy on running the races, and take things into consideration (i.e., weather). As parents we would be smart to maintain a big picture perspective as we work on our relationships. We can't let a set back stop us from reaching the winner's circle.