Today’s Miracle Moment Is About What We Can Learn From Simone Biles’ Comeback…
I don’t know about you, but I loved following the summer Olympics this year. I was already a huge fan of the amazing Simone Biles, but even more so now.
If you aren’t aware of her story, Simone is the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time, and she has 11 Olympic medals including seven golds. People call her the GOAT, which stands for “Greatest of All Time.”
Back in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Simone experienced the “twisties,” which happen when a gymnast temporarily loses awareness of where they are while performing twists in the air.
This is super disorienting, dangerous, and terrifying. They can’t control their bodies or where they land, and it could lead to serious injuries. So Simone made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Japan Olympics. And she publicly shared that she was doing it for her mental and physical health.
Her decision inspired other athletes to publicly share their own challenges with mental health and it sparked new conversations in the sports and gymnastics community about the importance of mental health. Simone also got a lot of backlash and harsh criticism, but she didn’t let that drag her down. She took 3 years to do emotional healing and self-love work before she came back to the 2024 Paris Olympics. She shared that therapy was a crucial part of her regimen, and so was speaking on her trauma and releasing it, rather than pushing it down.
When Simone decided she wanted to return to the Olympics, she had to start back at square one.
One day, she went back to the gym, and she jumped on the trampoline just once and then left. Another day, she jumped just a couple of times and then left. Another time, she did one vault into those squishy bricks and then she was out for two weeks.
So, the Greatest Of All Time got back to the Olympics through taking small baby steps, AND prioritizing her well-being – even when the stakes were extremely high and a LOT of people had negative opinions about it. We can all definitely learn from that.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone SHINED. She won the women’s artistic individual all-around gold, the women’s vault gold, and the team all-around gold. Then, for the floor exercises, Simone had a good routine, but she stepped out of bounds twice, so she lost the first place spot to the Brazilian, Rebeca Andrade. Simone got the silver medal, and her team member, Jordan Chiles, got the bronze. And when they received their medals, Simone and Jordan bowed down to Rebeca, acknowledging that she won the gold. What a class act.
It was so moving to watch Simone’s humbleness. At the end of the day, she came back to gymnastics because it was her joy. She wanted to live her purpose and do what she’s here to do. And she exuded that energy in every moment that she was there.
So let’s all learn from Simone Biles.
Give yourself permission to rest deeply, heal deeply, and do whatever you need to do to take care of your needs – even if it’s not what the world wants or expects of you.. And when you’re ready, and you feel your purpose calling to you, commit to it – not for anyone else except for yourself. Do it with joy and a humble heart, and your miracles will unfold.
So I’ll leave you with this quote from Simone Biles! “At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” Share in the comments what inspiration you took away from witnessing Simone Biles’ Olympic journey! I send you my love! Have a beautiful week full of miracles.
She had a goal.No matter how long it takes.
That’s right, Henry! It’s always a good learning point to focus on your goal and reduce the outside noise that can be a distraction. Looking inside and doing what your higher self needs you to do to achieve the goal is what matters.
Simone gave positive witness to the world, not only for her amazing talent but for her breaking through the bearers of mental health. I am so grateful for Simone’s sharing and vulnerability that is allowing me to truly care for self.
Well said, Susan! She’s such an inspiration.
She knew she needed time away & did it following her instinct no matter what others had to say
That’s true, Margaret! And it’s so inspiring, right?
Honor yourself, no matter what the circumstances are.
HONOR YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE.
That’s a bullseye, William! Right on.
She put her whole heart and soul into herself and her work.
Yes, that’s a great point too, Carol! Living from your Soul leads you to living in the Miracle Zone!
Wow! That’s a great takeaway, Jasmine. Thank you for sharing it here.
Recognising and respecting how you feel is triumph itself.
So true, Winifred! It’s a good lesson to check with yourself and understand inner guidance. That inner compass is never wrong!
Great article about an incredible athlete! She inspires so many people with her inclusiveness towards her colleagues and to her sport. Reading this really makes my day!!! Thanks for highlighting this remarkable person and reminding us all to follow our hearts❤️
She is truly remarkable, Carol! The fact that she can make a difference in anyone’s life just by her story is incredible, and it’s always an honor to share it with more people as an inspiration.
As a Lyft and door dash driver I get “ the twisties” all the time. It’s exhausting to drive people and food up and down all kinds of highways and streets. Not the same but I’m looking for some empathy lol.
Thanks for sharing this miracle moment about the “GOAT” because that she is. And her entire life story is inspiring.
You’re welcome, Aquilla! Simone’s story is highly motivating and gets you thinking about the importance of honoring yourself. That’s why I wanted to bring it to you all.
Aww, Katie! I hope you take some time for yourself in such times as you’re providing an incredible service. Stay hydrated and safe!
Thank you Marci for sharing the inspirational lesson that Simone Biles has given to a lot of people in the world.
But what, then, when one is retired, 71 years old, without any “purpose,” when one takes care of her needs, but is unable to reach the state of serenity necessary to deal with the rest of her life? Aging !
Hi Francine,
I hear you!
Reflect on what it is you love to do. Are there any hobbies or activities that give you joy? Think about what interests or intrigues you and give it a try. Maybe an art class or volunteering? The possibilities are endless. Just ask your inner self “what would I love”? And be open to any guidance that you receive.
All the best,
Marianne
Hi, Marianne! These are some amazing steps and questions to ask your inner self. Thank you for sharing this advice, and I bet it’ll be helpful to many others.
Good question, Francine! Our purpose, at times, changes as our life changes. Simone can be an inspiration here, too. Look within and ask your higher self. As I mentioned, when you’re ready and feel your purpose calling to you, commit to it!
I am so grateful Marci that you shared about Simone. I knew she is a power house and did not know her personal journey. I teared up few times listening to this amazing story. Yes, self care, listening to your inner voice, and live your joy. Such a wise human being she is!
I love that you phrased it as to “live your joy”, Kamila! That’s such a beautiful takeaway from such an inspiring story.
Simone’s story was very on target for me. I am recovering from surgery and I’m learning day by day to pay attention to what my body tells me it wants and needs and to have patience and allow it the time it asks for to heal. Simone and her story, her step by step process really validates this for me. She gave me what I need to hear to just keep on keeping on. She is a beautiful soul.
So glad to know Simone’s story found you in a time of need, Margaret! Remember, the miracle is in small baby steps. I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery.
Thank you Marci!
This is just what I needed to hear. I didn’t even get to watch the Olympics because I’ve been in between multiple surgeries. It’s been so hard to be out of the work that brings me joy. But listening to Simone’s story, reinforces that our own healing is the most critical. In fact it is central to our souls purpose. I’m so inspired to honor the sacred pauses in life. Thank you Marci, and thank you Simone for your inspiration. Baby Steps!
Deb, I love the phrase “sacred pauses”– a new way to think about that!
I loved that phrase too, Sydney! People associate such career breaks with a negative connotation, but when put this way, it’s a divine timing of the Universe that we need to listen to and honor.
Hi, Deb!
I love your takeaway of own healing being central to our souls purpose. That’s beautiful and hope it guides you through a safe and healthy recovery. More miracles to you!
Thanks for emailing and sharing such humbling words great to hear , watch, read, Thankyou
You’re welcome, Natalia. Hope this motivating story helps you in your miraculous journey!
Thank you, Marci, for this inspirational message to begin a new week. It is often difficult to be selfish and take care of ourselves first. Simone’s back story was new to me. I admire her strength and determination. I will carry this message with me. Namaste ~
Hi, Sonja!
I totally get it when you say it sounds selfish to take care of oneself, but by honoring ourselves we do a much greater service for the world around us.
She honored herself and that was inspiration in itself. Always honor yourself because it becomes something others can look up to and know.
That’s right, Colleen! Simone’s story is a great lesson for all of us in the importance of honoring oneself.
I am so grateful for this discussion. Simone Biles has been such an inspiration to me because I am going through something very similar. I have a beloved small business that I have been trying to build. I have been trying to take shortcuts and was just pretty much winging it. I realized that there are many things that I must get the courage and knowledge to do to make my business and message grow. So I just had to just sit down and start over. I have not made my comeback yet but I am taking this time to regroup, learn about business and spirituality, heal through my limited beliefs, all while I have some new ideas and strategies on how to come back. I am preparing for my comeback. Thanks, Simone, for your courage and your insight to begin such a necessary movement of mental health. She may be small in stature but she is the GOAT, a giant in my eyesight!
Wow, Tamera! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Listen to your higher self and take the next small baby steps towards your comeback. You’ve got this! More miracles to you.