This month ... a little story, courtesy of my friend, Kara. 

Once upon a time, a bunch of tiny frogs arranged a competition.  The goal?  To be the first to reach the top of a very tall tower. 
 
A big crowd had gathered to see the race.  But, honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that ANY of the frogs would reach the top.  They were very small frogs and the tower was very tall.  Voices in the crowd dismissed the feat as impossible.
 
"Forget it.  It's way too difficult!"
 
"I've got $20 that says no one makes it to the top."
 
"Not a chance. These frogs are tiny and this is the tallest tower in the land!"
 
But when the starting gun sounded, off went the tiny frogs, full of confidence.  It wasn't long, however, before, one by one, they began collapsing.  After all, they were very small frogs, it was a very tall tower ... and it seemed as if no one believed they could make it.

Still, a few pressed on with a fresh tempo, climbing higher and higher, defying the odds.

"It's too difficult," shouted the crowd below. "You can't possibly make it!"

The remaining frogs heard this and wondered to themselves if what they were doing was, indeed, impossible.  Maybe it was time to consider the reality of the situation.  They were just tiny frogs and the tower was extremely tall.  They were tired and they had a long way to go.  One by one, the frogs became weak and discouraged and simply gave up.
 
Except one, who continued to press on higher and higher.  This special little frog would not give up.
 
And although he was exhausted and all alone at the end, he made it to the top of the tower!

"Extraordinary," said a voice in the crowd.  "What a magnificent achievement," said another.

And when the tiny frog got back down to the bottom of the tower, they gathered around him to ask him how he'd done it.

But they got no answer. 

The little frog who defied the odds and won the race ... was deaf. 

So often, we're told about the importance of listening and it's true.  It's important to listen to people ... most of the time.  But there are times when it's best not to listen at all, to turn a deaf ear to the voices of those who don't believe, who say it can't be done, who discourage and disdain the effort you're making ... especially when the voice is your own. 

I have a challenging competition season ahead of me.  Already the little voices in my head are talking trash, making me wonder if I can truly do it, especially in light of my very busy work and family life.  I imagine I'll hear similar discouraging words from some family and friends.  And yet, I know I can do it, and, most importantly, I want to do it. 

So, I'm going take the lesson of the deaf frog to heart, tune out the negative waves, and let my own vision of what's possible be my guide and my inspiration. 

Maybe that's something we all need to do.

Warmest Regards,
Barbara