Hanna Atkinson SSIGM Blog #2: GOALS!
The opportunity to be a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger is a one in a million chance (or actually 6 million based on the number of Special Olympics athletes there are in the world). I’ve already made so many life-changing memories, enriching my soul, in the few months I’ve had this role. My goals are to take these experiences and impact others in the following ways in the next few years (and beyond!).
Goal #1: Bring others together to celebrate as a family and enjoy life, showing our work means something to the world! I will be doing this by sharing my message at events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International Conference and the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Sport and Health Conference, the Special Olympics Colorado State Games and the Special Olympics World Winter Games Sweden 2021. I will also be doing community events like cycling the Vail Pass in the Triple Bypass bike race which supports Special Olympics and conducting interviews before and after my ride.
Goal #2: Encourage Special Olympics athletes to create healthy habits. I am really thrilled to be part of a cooking series for Special Olympics Colorado and be featured in fitness videos for athletes and coaches. I want to be a wonderful example of healthy living.
Goal #3: Spread kindness and express the importance of learning from each other respectfully and professionally. One connection that I am overjoyed about is the 360 mentor relationship with Lynnette Cooke, the Global CEO of Kantar Health Division. We will be FaceTiming quarterly sharing our thoughts and stories to serve others in our communities. She will even be flying out to meet me in person!! I am also attending the Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Leadership Program to study communication. At my SSIGM training in Washington DC, I learned valuable information that I am working to apply in my life.
Goal #4: Meet terrific people and impact them by being myself and giving them the courage to be themselves, sharing our stories together! It is important to me to share my story about the Inclusion Revolution and its power in the world. I also want to recruit others to share their unique stories.
Goal #5: Grow and flourish as a person by being open to new points of view. I plan to practice being mindful and spiritual to lead a more balanced life and grow as a person!!
For me, setting and achieving goals allows me to create and achieve amazing experiences. When I reach a goal, I feel spectacular. When I do something for others in the world, I feel joyful and at peace.
I challenge you to consider your own goals! Here are some ideas to get you started:
· Meet the Determined. Get to know a Special Olympics athlete.
· Join the Inclusion Revolution. Spread kindness, acceptance and joy to others. Start by signing our Inclusion Pledge/Promise by clicking here.
· Be a volunteer or attend an event and be a fan in the stands. Click here to find an event near you.
· Consider donating to Special Olympics. Click here to learn more.
Who is with me?!
