posted September 09, 2004 11:45 AM         

When was the last time you received any good news in a window envelope? It's usually advertising or a bill. That's why another window envelope was about to hit the bin when l casually read..

".we inform you of selection as a Community Torchbearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. You have been chosen as a representative for your community values, spirit and national pride. As an ambassador of Australia, you will assist the Olympic flame as it travels from coast to coast..."

As Sydney hosted the biggest party in history, I couldn't help but reflect that I never had a 21 st birthday celebration because my parents died from cancer within that year, and the dreams I'd dreamed up until that time, were suddenly shattered. My best friend was in Australia at a time when I really needed a best friend so with no immediate family, I left Canada with a backpack and $200 for a 3 month working holiday, feeling vulnerable and very alone.

Within days of arrival, an elderly gent wisely advised:
'Every day above the ground is a good one'

Isn't that the truth! At the time, little did I realise that the biggest problem of my life would become the biggest opportunity.

During the Olympic Games, many dreams were achieved or shattered in a thousandth of a second. For some, silver medals were disappointing although being second best in the world is certainly no shame. Others like 'Eric the Eel', had their wildest dreams fulfilled by simply competing, even though they finished last. For this African swimmer, who had never before swam in a 50 metre pool, winning was never an expectation-so never a disappointment. He enjoyed the moment more than most, as did so many of the Paralympians, who are an example of courage to us all.

YOUR PERSONAL BEST STARTS WITH YOU

I'm currently at the Athens Olympics but long after the Games are over, we each give our personal best service to our customers, community and country. We need to unite to go that extra distance if we're to continue to enjoy the quality of life that we've come to take for granted.

It was a humbling honour to carry the torch on the day of the Opening ceremonies with fellow Australians like Greg Norman and Olivia Newton John.

Wherever we live in the world, we need to remember that the best customer relations is not to treat our customers like we treat our relations- like people we feel we need to put up with or people we take for granted-until it's too late. I may have missed my 21 st birthday celebrations one September a long time ago when I first learned this lesson and arrived in Australia with my life at an all time low. But, I made up for it in September 2000 when life was near an all time high.

A symbol of hope burning eternal and the need to never lose a burning passion for life, the Olympic flame serves as a reminder to have big dreams like Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games. But, dreams aren't enough! Like the words of the Olympic song."Dare to dream. Dare to fly', we all need to dare to follow our dreams. But, ultimately, like the words of a sponsor, we must just do it. And, we'll keep growing as individuals, if we continue to dream it, dare it and do it!

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Catherine DeVrye is the author of the #1 best seller ' Good Service is Good Business' and winner of the Australian Executive Woman of the Year Award. She speaks to leading organizations around the world on managing change, customer service and turning obstacles to opportunities. Her latest book 'Hot Lemon & Honey-Reflections for Success in Times of Change' is endorsed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Jack Canfield, co-author of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' www.greatmotivation.com

posted September 10, 2004 11:31 AM         

Hey Solane Star! I read this yesterday and had no time to reply! Very inspirational Do you enjoy swimming too?