To have any doubt in your body is the biggest weakness an athlete can have. There are times when I physically can't get myself to go for a skill because I'm thinking, 'My knee hurts really bad.'
Shawn JohnsonRead
Retiring was scary and it was tough to give up gymnastics, but so many great opportunities have come from it that I never expected.
Interpretation
Retirement can be challenging, but it often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Shawn Johnson reflects on the fear and difficulty of retiring from gymnastics, a major part of her life. Despite the initial challenges of letting go of her sport, she emphasizes the positive outcomes and new opportunities that have emerged from her transition, highlighting the theme of embracing change in life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing change in life.
To have any doubt in your body is the biggest weakness an athlete can have. There are times when I physically can't get myself to go for a skill because I'm thinking, 'My knee hurts really bad.'
Gymnastics has made me strong. I feel like it broke me down to my lowest point, but at the same time, it has given me the greatest strength anyone could ask for.
I ask citizens and governments everywhere to do their part by conserving energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels for the good of the world community. This is our duty to those who share this world with us and to those who follow us: Wherever we see a threat to our environment we must take action
I think the deepest level of our freedom is being able to change our identity.
While I knew that individuals had in history - and still could - make a difference, it seemed presumptuous - even pompous - to imagine that I could be part of it, that I could be one of them.
The key.. will be a new public awareness of how serious is the threat to the global environment. Those who have a vested interest in the status quo will probably continue to be able to stifle any meaningful change until enough citizens.. are willing to speak out.
The question, I've come to think, is not what inspires one to change, but what inspires one to remain changed.
The dinosaurs never saw that asteroid coming. What's our excuse?
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