Many of us business owners in Vancouver or otherwise have been tested by the recession through 2009 and the disruption caused by the 2010 games.

Leading up to the games I was wary of the negative aspects like having to brave the traffic to pick up my son from day care or how it might increase my taxes over the coming years. All this worry combined with talk of a new HST  tax has taken its toll. Like so many other Canadian's I'm hopeful of better times in 2010. I could a healthy dose of support, motivation and good luck.

Little did I know my prayers would be answered sooner rather than later. It started with the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics. I had a rough week and told my wife that we "should try to embrace the games for all the good they offer". After seeing the Beijing opening ceremony on YouTube I actually worried that our small country would struggle to follow such an impressive show. Regardless, I planned on watching from start to finish.

Early on I was impressed at the key role the Native people of Canada played in the ceremony. I connected with the wonderful artistic choreography showcasing our mountains, prairies and coastlines. We even had a family moment when I saw the elite athletes proudly bearing the flags of their homeland and wondered if my son might one day participate. Everything was perfect, until a critical moment where the torch wouldn't rise for the lighting. A proud Canadian I was  suddenly worried that we were about to botch the most symbolic moment in the ceremony. As they got it to rise it became obvious that one pillar of the torch didn't make it out. Then, something interesting happened...

Nobody cared that it didn't rise.

In fact, it was riotous applause and everyone, myself included seemed to share a moment of joy. That, the whole world was watching and that it wasn't about Canada, or China, or any one country. We had gathered to witness people in the pursuit of excellence. All that cheesie stuff about dreams, hope and to believe, didn't seem so cheesie after all.

In the days to follow I watched Alex Bilodeau win our first gold on Canadian soil. Maelle Ricker, Jennifer Heil and many others had inspirational performances. I was caught up in it all and it was really good to feel that child-like excitement again. I gained even more by hearing the backstories of the athletes. It was by learning about

their often humble beginnings, devastating crashes and losses and their rise to triumph after years or even a lifetime of struggle that I had a renewed hope for my personal aspirations. Suddenly the Olympics really made sense to me, I realized what I needed. Something to cheer for. Someone to look up to.

I hope that you've had a similar reaction to the games. My mother shared a lesson with me before she passed away unexpectedly. This lesson has never left me...

Somethings should be done, even if the time doesn't seem right. That without experiencing something, and opening your heart to let it change you, you'll just never know. Well mom, I'm embracing the Olympics and to hell with the naysaying. 2010 is going to be an inspired year!