Humanity at its Best!
Living is Winning!
One of a few Olympic highlights for me this year, and I'm sure countless others, has been the very touching double gold for high jumpers, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi, on Sunday. Such a beautiful bond between friends and fellow Olympians to go ahead and share a medal. Who else watched that clip (over and over again with tears welling up in their eyes) as they look at each and without much communication agree to share the top metal? I did!
If you've yet to see it, you can watch the video here and head to 3:45 in the video timing. It was incredibly heart warming, wholesome and reminded us all of what humanity is capable of. Very inspiring.
Gianmarco Tamberi, left, reacts to share gold with Mutaz Essa Barshim center, in Men’s High Jump. Andrew Nelles - USA TODAY Sports
Another highlight for me has been Simone Biles and the necessary steps she needed to take in order for her to protect her mental (and physical) health. While I know she has taken intense shots and scrutiny for this, as did Naomi Osaka earlier this year, I applaud the measures they've both taken. A lesson from both is that, "it's ok to not be ok".
Accepting this lesson is something I've struggled with. The cross roads of ones mental health and the need to be productive and in striving mode, all to be/stay relevant, are a product of our current culture.
So people, especially women and especially women of color, breaking these molds are going to give people, like me, strength and pride, while inevitably making others feel weird and reactionary because it runs counter to how they see and operate in the world.
When you have your own version of the 'twisties', it's ok to change your mind on something you thought was good for you. It's ok to take a pause before moving forward in any direction. And it's very much ok AND necessary for people to ask for help. Mental health is health.