Winning

Good Morning,

Having spent the better portion of my youth only "looking out for #1" as they say I missed a great deal of opportunities to share in the joy of others lives. To contribute to shared experience we call life. One moment that begin turning my heart and mind to approach life from a new perspective happened a few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together.

Everyone in the stadium stood - and the cheering went on for several minutes. Why? Because deep down we all know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What truly matters is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

Have a wonderful day and remember you are magnificent, helps others know this about themselves as well.

Peace and Love, Jim