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Unity In Strength. 

Knowledge is Power.

Attitude is Everything.

Activate Hope.

the voice of the living monument: a caring mom

march 1, 2010

This past week was great.

I thought a lot about the motivational words which will be a key feature of the monument. It occurred to me that these work need to speak to people with a “personality and voice”.  Using quotes from famous athletes and the Livestrong manifesto is good start – but the piece needs to reflect the true organic inspiration and source of these words.  And I found one that would honor not only Lance but his mom as well.

Here’s my thoughts.

When I lost my mom to cancer I was only 16 years - it was devastating.  When we all grow up and have our own children we develop an even stronger appreciation for all the things our parent do for us.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer my first thoughts where my mom and my three young boys.  Even though she was not here on this earth, she was telling me to fight and reassured me that I would beat this thing because my boys needed their dad to be around.   I could feel her strength but most important the way in which she told me to be “self-empowered” and to fight like crazy to use the “go-power” no mater what. 

I think the same is pretty much for all moms whose children are diagnosed with the disease.  And especially Lances Armstrong’s mom Linda Armstrong Kelly.  She will be the voice and personality of the words in this living monument.  The piece will celebrate Lance as the inspirational visual role model - but it will be her guiding principals and positive attitude that will provide the tone of the “Motivational Road” that Lance rides on.

Any of her motivational passages can only make this piece stronger and will speak directly to those battling cancer in way that only a mother can “calm a child” and “spark them to overcome the greatest obstacles in life”.

Here’s one that might work well.

“Certain realities in life can’t be changed.  We could sit around and cry about it, or we could find a way around the roadblocks. One answer to every setback, sorrow, and upheaval has always been to push back, try harder and work smarter.  Don’t be afraid of failing. Losing is worthwhile if you learn something from it.  But quitting – that’s the defeat of hope.”

Motivational Quotes – A Path to Success.

The selected (proposed) quotes and words will be “sculpted into the paintings background” via 3-dimensional relief. They will also be woven through the painting, “suspended on cycling wire” that will act as “ inspirational threads” that are pulled across the picture plane from one end to another (much like guitar strings).

They will serve as a visual metaphor and inspiration for survival. The goal is to weave a mosaic of human expressions and powerful themes  based on key quotes from Lance Armstrong's experience, his “LiveStrong Manifesto” & my own cancer journey.  This mosaic will be “framed” within the following key quotes.   “Unity In Strength.  Knowledge is Power. Attitude is Everything,” which will be given more visual weight & emphasis so they stand out in the painting.

       

         Unity In Strength.

We believe in life. Your life.  We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.    We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.   We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.  We are one team united through hope, courage and determination.  To help others is to make you strong.  Surround yourself with winners! Potential is the ability to inspire others through a strong sense of purpose and hope to “achieve something together” that is much greater than the sum of it’s parts.  We believe in teamwork. Lights will guide you home,  someone, something, somewhere will try to fix you. Friends, family and support groups are magic medicine. Other things may change us, but we start and end with family. (Anthony Brandt)

Knowledge is Power.

Deep instincts balanced with Strategic Planning.

Work smarter not harder attitude: Know the competition – and outthink cancer.   Develop a plan to execute your ideas.  Learn from the best: Always have someone from whom you can learn more things about your challenge.  Connect with others.  Share and express your Feelings.   Explore your Passion.   Be Inspired.  Get some candy for your soul. Feed your soul with inspiration and powerful thoughts. Go beyond treating the cancer – heal the person and their soul.  Life Is Sweet.  Simple things can make a big difference in your journey.   "Life is like a bicycle - to keep your balance you need to keep moving forward."  Feel Safe: discover your inner landscape and see a whole new you.   < Edit this: Goal Setting. See how strategy and tactics play a key role in success   Eat to Win: Practice great nutritional habits.>

Attitude is Everything

Fierce + Passion + Focus + Energy + Enthusiasm + Belief + Motivation + Perseverance + Courage = An Indomitable Spirit.  Quitting is never an option. Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.    If I quit, however, it lasts forever.  Be Defiant. You must first win over the events in your head before you can win on the paths to victory.  Never settle for less than you can give.  Win the small battles. The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well.   Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. . Adversity is only an obstacle that exists to test and measure your character. Be a star   <Edit this: Show me anyone who has overcome adversity and I’ll show you someone who is successful.>

Let Your Spirit Soar. Albert Einstein said, “try not to become a man of success but a man of value.” Robert F. Kennedy said, “you’re happiest while you’re  making the greatest contribution”.  Courage:  Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.  We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.   Yesterday I dared to struggle.  Today I dare to win.  Competing in sports has taught me that if I'm not willing to give 120 percent. Somebody else will. When you’re fighting cancer, it's the same, if you're not wiling to give 120 percent - cancer will.  Anything positive you do that you are passionate about is good medicine.

The Essence of Livestrong.

Livestrong.  It’s one thing to live, but it’s another thing to live strong, to attack the day and attack your life with a whole new attitude.   This was a gift for me. I guess before the illness I just lived. Now, after the illness, I live strong.   My priorities have changed.   My passion is becoming stronger for my job.  I believe that I've learned we have to be happy, and in order to be happy you have to be honest and truthful.  I try not to take the risks that I feel are very risky, but at the same time I try to find the risks that are just below there. I think taking those small risks are great for pushing the envelope a little or just reminding yourself that you’re alive.  (Lance Armstrong)