Although I have not been completely riveted to the television this week watching the Olympics, I have enjoyed watching several events and human interest stories. I\u2019ve never played a competitive sport in my life, so I can\u2019t begin to relate to the athletes in Rio, but I do feel that I\u2019ve learned a great deal even as a spectator.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve noticed that the happiest athletes are able to celebrate the victories of their competitors as well as their teammates. Such affirmation and admiration was especially evident after Tuesday evening\u2019s performance by US gymnast Simone Biles. \u201cIt was so incredible, I don\u2019t believe it,\u201d said German gymnast Tabea Alt. \u201cShe is a hero for us.\u201d \u201cShe\u2019s amazing, amazing,\u201d said Netherlands gymnast Celine van Gerner, \u201cA really great legend.\u201d \u201cShe does everything right, everything perfect,\u201d said Russian gymnast Angelina Melinkova. \u201cI like her so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead of sulking or feeling jealous or even angry at the untouchable performance of their arch rival, these athletes chose to celebrate Biles\u2019 talent, skill, and awesome performance. If gold medals were given for positivity and being a good sport, I would honor these other athletes for their integrity and spirit. They are winners too in my book. These competitors know how to live out the adage coined by Theodore Roosevelt: Comparison is the thief of joy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Roosevelt\u2019s wisdom has challenged me on more than one occasion. Throughout my life I have often struggled with comparing myself to others and coming up short. I\u2019m embarrassed and even a little ashamed to admit how often I have let envy and jealousy creep in as I measure myself according to others. Sometimes my comparisons revolve around physical attributes, worldly possessions, academic prowess, professional accomplishments, etc. Such judgments create lose-lose scenarios. The other misses out on my appreciation, admiration, and respect. And I miss out on the joy that comes from sharing in another\u2019s good fortune. Moreover, in comparing myself negatively to others, I fail to be grateful for the many gifts and blessings that I myself enjoy.<\/p>\n When I catch myself going down the negative path of comparisons and then call to mind Roosevelt\u2019s words, I\u2019m able to turn my attitude around. In those moments I can make the decision to celebrate others\u2019 accomplishments and circumstances and also recognize that I have my own unique contributions and attributes worthy of celebration. I now enjoy a win-win scenario. I truly do want to live a life of elation, recalling the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin that joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.<\/p>\n As we prepare ourselves for the coming academic year, may we resolve to keep comparisons at bay and focus instead on finding ways to celebrate the giftedness of all people and to count our own blessings along the way. Perhaps the Gospel of John says it best: \u201cI have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.\u201d Can I hear an Amen?!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Although I have not been completely riveted to the television this week watching the Olympics, I have enjoyed watching several events and human interest stories. I\u2019ve never played a competitive sport in my life, so I can\u2019t begin to relate …<\/p>\n