Facing Fear at the Vancouver Winter Olympics

We all enjoy watching the skillful way that Olympic athletes are able to compete. But behind their performances in Vancouver are long, hard years of dedication to their sport. Today we look at two more fears they have faced and defeated. You too can triumph over your fears, if you are a Sandwiched Boomer or not.

Overcoming fear of competition. Performance anxiety is a term familiar to many of us as it is one of the most common phobias. Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno is no stranger to competition, having conquered his own fears and come away a champion, not only on the short-track but also on the dance floor. Ohno entered many races and has already beat the record for the most U.S. medals in the Winter Games. Ohno doesn't always win, but he does strive to perform to the best of his ability each time he competes.

To overcome your own stage fright, there are some techniques you can employ: remember to put the competition into perspective; do deep breathing and relaxation exercises; concentrate on your own actions, not those around you; practice, practice, practice.


Overcoming fear of sacrifice. After 46 years of consistently taking the gold medal in pairs figure skating, Russia/U.S.S.R. was finally was shut out from the medal podium. How did China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo manage such a feat? They endured many sacrifices along the way. The oldest skaters in Vancouver, they have been together for 18 years and married for the past three. After victories amid numerous injuries, they retired in 2007.

But two years later, they put their marriage vows and personal life on hold to retrain and live in the athletes' dorms as they worked to fulfill their dreams of Olympic gold. As you set important goals for yourself, recognize that you too may need to give up some pleasures along the way.

Families Together

Another mother-in-law has contacted us about her experiences with her children-in-law. Susan Lieberman has written a book about the process of improving relationships with sons- and daughters-in-law. We plan to host her on our blog in the future so stay tuned.

With Memorial Day coming on Monday, we salute those families who have a loved one serving in the Armed Forces and honor with respect those who have lost a family member in service to our country. Please join with us in celebrating the lives of these brave men and women.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day in reference to placing flags on the graves of the fallen, has been observed since 1868 when it commemorated those who gave their lives in the Civil War. It has been a national holiday in the United States since 1971. Like Veterans' Day, it reminds us of the meaning of life and the value of family.

To read more about how a tribute to the sacrifice of veterans can guide us in our daily lives with loved ones, click on the title above to take you to an article on our website.

Now that the election process is complete, president elect Obama and Sandwiched Boomers are still faced with the enormity of the tasks that lie ahead - a deep financial crisis, two wars, terrorism and an environment in peril. Parents continue to ponder, how will I pay the mortgage and grocery bills, manage my kids’ college tuition and health insurance?

In his speech Tuesday night, Obama acknowledged that 'the climb will be steep' - but as a people together we will get there. He made encouraging statements: I'll listen to you, especially when we disagree. Victory is only the chance we have to make a change. Now the real work begins – with a new spirit of service, patriotism and sacrifice.

This is the time to manage our expectations. And wait, at this history-making moment, to find answers to many questions: Will there be a seismic shift in American politics? Is this when we will put the dark stain of racism behind us? Will Obama deliver on his promises and reach across party lines? Can this be the election that inspires a generation of public service?