It’s an Olympic year and I’m already feeling the excitement even though they are still 6 months away.

I think of the Olympics and literally just FEEL for the athletes and families dreaming of competiting in the games and those who ultimately get there to represent their country. I remember my dreams of the Olympics as a little girl when I was a competitive swimmer. And now, my own daughter is 6 years old and on the swim team for the very 1st time. I see her following in her Mother’s footsteps with her own athletic dreams.

Here’s Kenzie holding her very first swimming awards – ribbons for placing 5th in the 25 yard Backstroke and 6th in the 25 yard Freestyle. She is so thrilled with herself and I feel so proud of her accomplishments – but most of all proud of the hard work and dedication she has shown to improve her skills as a swimmer. Just last summer she could not even swim 1 full lap of the pool! And now here she is RACING and COMPETING in swimming. Diving (or should i say belly flopping?) off the starting blocks. Incredible.

And here’s me….. in 1983 and 1984 holding some of my very first hard earned swimming awards. I can remember feeling so proud of myself and I love knowing that my daughter is experiencing those same feelings of accomplishment.

Here is me with my 5th place medal – the very first prize I ever won.

And a year later winning the gold medal – 1st place – at our Championships after a year of practice at my sport.

Yes, the Olympics are a beautiful pipe dream – but the competition and training is really about the journey and the life lessons you learn along the way. From dedication to perseverance to a commitment to train.

The lessons I learned from being involved in sports gave me my self confidence in all aspects of life – in the classroom and on the field – as a runner, swimmer, tennis player, and more as a youth. Those same lessons shaped the person I am today as a Mom, Wife, Daughter, and Entrepreneur.

I want to give those feelings & lessons to my daughter – and someday to my son when he’s old enough to participate in competition. Asa Mom myself, I now realize so much of that journey is about the Mom’s role to make it all happen for her children. And the sacrifices Mom makes to juggle her schedule – and dinner – literally be a chauffer driving her children to practice, missing her own engagement to instead drive to practice or watch a competitive meet, match or game for their kids. I’m seriously feeling wildly grateful to my Mom & Dad now for all they did for me over the years to help me find success in athletics and life.

That’s why I love the “Thank You Mom” campaign from P&G. Check it out here. I love it! Follow them on Facebook and take  a peek at this video from “Carole Brady”.

Iconic TV mom Florence Henderson sharing some of her best mom wisdom gained from years of playing TV mom Carol Brady as well as being a real-life mom of four and grandmother of five. Florence is partnering with P&G’s Thank You, Mom campaign, which celebrates and thanks moms for everything they do for their families and communities.

In addition to passing along some sound advice, Florence also encourages viewers to share their favorite mom wisdom on P&G’s Thank You Mom Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thankyoumom). And everyone can participate — whether you are a mom or want to share your own mom’s wise words. You can also just stop by and enjoy all the great advice we’ve already collected. Simply “like” the page and click on the Words From Mom tab to get started.