Comments on: How Kettlebells Lift My Life

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:54:11 +0000

Dear Maya,
I ‘shared’ your story on my Facebook page today and included a short passage:
“Each day as we face our own challenges and obstacles, I believe it is incredibly important to remember not to judge another or make assumptions based on what we ‘see’ on the outside. We can’t know what courage and strength it may take for that person to brave each day.” I truly feel this to be true, and it is through your strength that you will be successful in your pursuits, as well as have a life full of deep appreciation and love for your beautiful son. I know this to be true, because I was faced with having to make a true life or death decision with my son when he was just 10 days old. A wise friend told me to start running -to make ‘me’ strong’- so that I could be strong for him. To this day, each time I run, I run 23 extra steps for the time he spent in the hospital fighting for his tiny life. His fight helped me to realize nothing is as important as the moment you are in, and that you are not alone. Peace to you and your family. Continue your journey-it promises to be a fascinating one.

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By: Maya

Maya — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:02:03 +0000

Thank you for your thoughtful comments and generous offers of support. I really appreciate those of you willing to share the wisdom gained from your own experiences as well. We are learning more about our son everyday and consider ourselves extremely fortunate to live in an area that continues to advance early intervention. He’s also surrounded by an incredible support network of family and friends who love him dearly — just as he is — and as a result of writing this post, his circle has only grown larger. My heart is full of gratitude.

________________________________________

I also want to take this opportunity to thank John and Michelle and everyone at Athleta for taking a risk in sponsoring their first team of women in 2009… especially considering that we were coming from a sport they had never heard of before! You guys welcomed us with open arms and open minds. Your foresight has played a significant role in the growth of female participation in Kettlebell Sport over the past year by illuminating the beautiful femininity behind the strength and power of this sport. I think I speak on behalf of many lady lifters out there when I say that we will always be grateful to you for this unexpected reward! …and as you can see in a few of the photos above, I wear my gray Athleta hoodie that you gave me three years ago everywhere John (including other countries)! You guys have generously given us more great gear to wear over the past year (I’m just attached to the gray one!), and I hope you know how much Jessica, Sara, Surya and I appreciate everything you guys have given us on and off the platform.

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By: Bruno

Bruno — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:22:27 +0000

Dear Maya,

it’s always a pleasure to read your writings – your heart is right there behind every word. Time we shared with you guys in Zagreb has made each and every one of us become more and for that I’m deeply grateful.

Your friend,
Bruno

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By: Mike Mahler

Mike Mahler — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:38:19 +0000

Great article and I think a documentary on KB training around the world for the travel Channel is in your future ;-)

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By: Shari

Shari — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:38:57 +0000

I’ve been a special educator for more than 15 years and have supported 100s of parents (including my own brother) as they grapple with the heartbreaking news that their child has special needs. For parents, there are often deep feelings of grief; after all, what parent hasn’t imagined the kind of life their child will live – what interests they’ll have, what their friends will be like, what schools they will attend. It’s natural for parents to mourn these lives they wish for their children. But children don’t have the experience of hindsight. They only know what they live. Our jobs, really, as parents are to keep our children safe, healthy and happy. And to love them fully. The rest of the images we project on them say more about our own lives than our children’s. So, you already have the tools you need to make this journey as I know how deeply you love and care for your son. And you are way ahead of so many parents because you understand the necessity of taking care of yourself and meeting your own needs. The focus and tenacity you have on the lifting platform will greatly serve you and your son as you grown together. Try to keep perspective, don’t get bogged down in the big picture and remember, there are miracles in the simplest milestones.

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By: Elisse Gabriel

Elisse Gabriel — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:11:22 +0000

Maya, I have missed seeing you at the Ice Chamber, but completely empathize with your challenges as a mother. My younger son was diagnosed with PTSD following a wrong-side surgery, with alarming consequences. My other son was just diagnosed with atypical ADD (inattentive type). It’s amazing how much work being a parent is, but just as you reap rewards from your intensive physical workouts, you will indeed gain immense rewards from the time you put into parenting. Your son is very blessed to have you and Steven as parents, and I’m sure he will benefit from whatever you are doing for him. Just knowing how much you love him does wonders. I would love to speak to you further about this, as I have a few ideas for you that may not yet have been explored.
Congratulations on your extraordinary accomplishments in the world of sports. You’ve not only won medals, but deep and lasting friendships along the way.
Warmest wishes.

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By: Leslie

Leslie — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:04:25 +0000

Maya,
What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us.

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By: Phillip Humphrey

Phillip Humphrey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:17:47 +0000

Dearest Maya! You continue to inspire and impress me not only with your skill as a writer but how your words convey such a deep message. Congratulations on being brave. I hope to see you and the rest of the Ice Chamber Team again very soon. Just as you mentioned, it takes a lot to get under the ‘bells and compete but the best part is again seeing and cheering for each other! Best of luck on your journey.

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By: Thierry

Thierry — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:32:39 +0000

Great write up Maya!
All the best with your goals, I hope to see you again in 2010!

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By: michelle

michelle — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:36:37 +0000

Maya, from the first video you shared on the chi I could see your strength. It’s been truly inspiring to follow your journey through one challenge after another — some self-imposed, others outside your control. While I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s diagnosis, I have no doubt you, your family and your global community of friends will find a way to overcome whatever comes your way. Thank you for sharing your story.

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