And the Gold Medal Goes to.....

"My mother used to tell us in the mornings, 'Carl put on your shoes, Oscar you put on your prosthetic legs... So I grew up not really thinking I had a disability. I grew up thinking I had different shoes."
-South African runner Oscar Pistorius, nicknamed 'Blade Runner' because he races on carbon fibre prosthetic blades

The 2012 Olympics ended last night, and if you are anything like me, you are a little sad that you have to wait four more years until there is another Summer Games. 

Oscar Pistorius became the first disabled person to race against able-bodied athletes.  Can you imagine that?  He is an inspiration to everyone - Kirani James was so touched that he exchanged numbers with Pistorius after the race. 

But he was judged.  Cynics said he had "advantage, because he had 'magic legs.'"

Gabby Douglas walked away as the first African American to win gold in gymnastics. 

But she was judged.  People made fun of her hair.  The media wrote stories about her mother filing for bankruptcy.  And some people said she is "too religious."

Lolo Jones didn't win a medal but she holds indoor track records and has worked her butt off for the last four years for a 12 second race at the Olympic Games.

But she was judged.  By an article published in the New York Times that just ripped her apart.


Why do we judge?  If someone does something great, we point out what was not so great.  We judge people's hair for goodness sakes!  I am willing to bet that we have all been on both sides of  judgment - the giver and the receiver of judgment.

My challenge to you:  Don't be so quick to judge. Everyone has a story and everyone has a past.  We are all enduring our own journey in life, and not everyone is just like you!

Today's Starfish

My friends, who have made the biggest impact in my life, all received text messages from me today, wishing them a great Monday and thanking them for being a part of my life.  Each message was different and pursuant to that person.  They are all gold medal winners in my book!