If you’re like me, finding empowerment is a good way to begin anything, especially a new year. Today, I share the tale of two women connected by (of all things) a tennis racket. Their lives have been quite different since their shared days on the court. I’ve known them both a long time, but recently came to know them even more after an enlightening conversation.

Nancy is 65 years old. You might call her a super woman given her litany of athletic successes. Countless marathons, Ironman (woman) and triathlon competitions are her way of life. I asked  recently how many marathons she’s completed and her response was, “Oh my….” Too many to count, apparently. A few months ago, Nancy completed the 2022 World Triathlon Championship in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emeritus. She finished in the top 5 in her age category of all participants from all over the world. Honestly, who thinks to tackle such an amazing challenge on the other side of the world and in the desert, no less. For Nancy, there’s no limit. Her accomplishments have included the most grueling physical triumphs which can only happen when extraordinary physical ability meets even more extraordinary mental and emotional grit.

Years before Abu Dhabi, however, Nancy was a high school tennis coach, which is where we meet our second woman of inspiration.

Enter Emily, a 38 year old mother of three. Emily, once part of a successful high school tennis team, is deep into her growing family. Her focus is to create a path forward for her children so they will know love, security and encouragement. I remember those days when the dreams of a young mom take a backseat to the well-being of her children. I don’t mean to project my own experience from years ago onto Emily, but I resonated as she recounted an aha moment while watching her daughter in a tennis lesson. Wait, she thought to herself, I need to be on that  court.

After dusting off her ancient tennis racket, Emily called her former coach. Nancy was thrilled. The two of them hit the court just like they did 20 years ago during those grueling days of match prep. Emily reawakened her dormant tennis skills, and Nancy drilled. Emily didn’t need soft encouragement, she knew Nancy would whip her swing into shape. She was ready for hard work and tough love of a good coach.

Since then, Emily has reignited her own strength. In the shadow of Nancy who has the patent on tenacity, Emily is finding her own. She stood taller as she talked about her renewed personal delight on the court in the midst of hectic life off the court. Her clarity was sharp. Yes, she was a pretty good tennis player.

So, as we pivot to this new year, I offer the example of these two equally extraordinary women. Nancy is amazing; full stop. Her sustained commitment to excellence gives all 60-something year old’s incentive to believe we can do something beyond our ordinary. But what I love about Emily is that she is able to prioritize herself and make time on the court. Young enough to be my daughter, I’m very proud of her self-empowerment. They remind me you can’t become like Nancy unless you first take the first step, like Emily.

Whether you seek finish lines in unchartered worlds or reach within to nurture seeds of former success, Nancy and Emily provide motivation. Honestly, all we need is some open space, belief in ourselves, and willingness to discover our own grit. Happy new dreams in 2023.