As I sit in my hotel room here in Cancun, Mexico (there are worse fates), I'm enjoying a dose of this year's Summer Olympics. I not so secretly await the arrival of famed gymnast Aly Raisman on the screen (I have a not so secret crush on the gold medalist). But that's beside the point, I understand now.
I viewed the Opening Ceremonies in Isla Mujeres, a nearby island, while taking care of a nice chocolate gelato cone. To my slight disappointment, I found that the TV in the gelato shop was on a Spanish speaking channel, a language I should understand better than I do (Senor Bowman if you're reading this, I apologize). But in that moment of disappointment, I realized what a grand opportunity I had: to experience this grand tradition in another country. I'd obviously be rooting for the USA, but it didn't matter. Because we were all there in spirit for the same reason; to compete with and celebrate our world.
What a wonderful part of being on this Earth are the Olympics. We as a world gather together for a part of our summer/winter every two years and compete in games. Yes, there is competition, but there is a community in that competition. War is still prominent around the world, happening amongst many of the countries competing, but for once, people of each nation and creed can find a common ground. This is a scary concept for some, and there are those incapable of accepting it, but it's steeped in tradition, a tradition that deserves our continued interest.
What a feat, by each competitor, to show what they've been working toward for most of their lives. They came to compete and represent their country as best they can, and they understand the honor it brings if they succeed in their goal. And we are able to praise the best of the best in the award ceremonies, as they receive their highly-deserved medals. They display actions that most people could only dream of accomplishing. And for once, what's commonplace to them, becomes commonplace to us. It is nothing less than spectacular and should be revered as such.
What an idea, that we can compete and challenge each other to accept nothing but one's best. We strive for the best, and seek to find it within ourselves. The lazy find inspiration during these games (speaking from experience). And that we can try our best, even knowing we won't be the best, in the spirit of humanity and good competition (see Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards). All it takes is the doing of it.
I couldn't understand a word that was spoken by anyone on the screen, but it was heartwarming, to say the least. I was witnessing history with others, and though we didn't fully understand each other, we understood why these games happened and what they're about. So thank you, Olympics, for reminding us what it means to be human.
(GO GET 'EM ALY!)
