If I were in charge of this election, I'd send the candidates to time out. Their assignment? Watch the Olympics on repeat until they learned how adults should compete, win, and lose—with honor and respect.
Teaching children about winning and losing is a fundamental part of growing up. Life constantly presents opportunities for competition and comparison, and understanding how to navigate both victory and defeat will serve them for years to come.
Every four years, we have a golden opportunity to dive into these lessons with our children as we watch the Olympics and Paralympics. These global events showcase far more than athleticism—they highlight hard work, dedication, disappointment, and the grit to turn dreams into reality.
Each athlete on the world stage started with a simple spark—a passion that evolved into an Olympic dream. Their stories are built on years of relentless practice, wins and losses, and countless moments of picking themselves up after falling down. In these stories, we find invaluable lessons for our children.
Every four years, we also witness another form of competition during the Presidential Election. Candidates pursue their dreams with the same drive and ambition as Olympic athletes, dedicating years of hard work and sacrifice in hopes of serving our country at the highest level.
But if I had young children today, I wouldn't let them watch the daily coverage of this election build-up. It's disgraceful. Where did the concept of leading by example go? What happened to telling the truth, respecting differing opinions, and maintaining a sense of decency?
In contrast, while watching the Olympics, I find myself rooting for every athlete—from the predicted champions to the surprising underdogs. Their determination, resilience, and sportsmanship remind us that success isn't just about the medals—it's about giving your best effort. After the winners are declared exhausted yet smiling, these athletes offer handshakes, hugs, and encouragement to one another. It's a powerful reminder that, after fierce competition, they remain friends and admirers, regardless of who stands on the podium.
As the Olympic flame is extinguished, I feel a sense of pride—not just in the accomplishments of the athletes, but in humanity. These young competitors remind us of what's possible when we respect others, no matter their race, culture, political views, or religious beliefs.
Meanwhile, in the political arena, I find myself searching in vain for a glimmer of ethics or sportsmanship. I dream of an election where candidates set an example for our children, showing them how to win and lose with dignity. Wouldn't it be wonderful to wake up the morning after an election feeling proud—not just of the result, but of the process? Proud of how we, as Americans, handled both victory and defeat with grace, moving forward together to find common ground, no matter who stands on the podium.
Winning and losing are inevitable parts of life. But it is how we respond to both that truly defines us.
I give a heartfelt thank you to all competitors who lead by example and set the bar high for future generations.
Ms. Sharon
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