Special Olympics

Growing up I often watched the Olympics on television. I thought that winning a medal would be so cool. As they became more commercialized and nationalistic I had less interest. 

Lately I’ve been thinking more about the Special Olympics. What makes it special are athletes being accepted for doing their best, regardless of what that looks like. However, every day I interact with people doing their best. They are who they are for a variety of reasons, both genetic and environmental, just like special olympians. Yet I’ve judged them on what I think they should be.

Olympics athletes are mostly judged on whether they win or lose, a preconceived ideal. In real life I judge others by my preconceived ideals. What would my life be like if I accept others for who they are and understand they are doing the best they can, given their life’s circumstances? That would be special. Nothing more complicated than perception.

May you have enough today, one moment at a time.

Let your vagus nerve help.