Why do you look forward to watching the Olympics every two years? There is no question that I get excited butterflies in my stomach just from knowing the Olympics will be on TV. My list of positives could continue for miles (pun intended), but here are my top five reasons:

1. Makes you yearn for a relaxing or adventurous vacation

Watching the Olympics gives you a chance to dream of vacationing somewhere like Rio de Janeiro, especially when they display gorgeous shots of the mountains and the Amazon River.

2. The athletes are my age!

I look at the age of some of the competitors and am like: “What? They are 21? They are my age!” It gives me hope that someone that young has the ability to carry so much confidence and success. Even though it is too late for me, maybe my children could become Olympians someday if they want to work hard at that.

3. Hope

Hearing the inspirational stories of the athletes proves that enough dedication, hard-work, and determination can lift an individual from a crevice of darkness to the gold medal podium. For instance, Simone Biles did not grow up with her parents due to drug addiction. She considers her grandparents to be her parents; she demonstrates that, although she did not have a typical childhood, she overcame adversity and won gold Thursday night in gymnastics.

Another example is 22-time gold medalist (though he might have more after this article is written), Michael Phelps. He tinkered with giving up swimming, only to discover that he lost his identity and went into a dark place. He was arrested for a DUI and was in the lowest of the lows. Swimming encouraged him to persevere and to work harder than ever, which is clearly apparent in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

4. Pride

It gives you pride in your home country. Never am I more proud to be representing the red, white, and blue. I am proud to be an American. Our athletes are representing our country just by being viewed worldwide. Just like the refugees can have a voice for the first time by being represented as a team in the Olympics. It is amazing, and they are so brave.

5. World Unity

The Olympics bring the world together for two weeks. Ignorant people get a chance to see athletes from other countries. On the field, court, or track, both teams come together on a common ground and can settle disputes in a fair, controlled manner. Either team has a chance to win; underdogs and quieter voices have a chance to dominate and be heard. Members of various countries worldwide are in one location at the same time. It is a rare occurrence that can be extremely uniting as opposed to dividing.

Although the Olympics only occurs every two years, everyone should remember these optimistic feelings of pride, hope, peace, and unity amidst times of terror, fear, war, and hatred.