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Self-admittedly, I am an Olympic junkie. From the dazzling opening ceremonies set in that jewel box of a city which is Paris to Celine Dion, digging deep despite her illness to give the performance of a lifetime, I was an emotional puddle.

Obviously, I am tuned into the Equestrian events, along with about 12 others, but it matters not to me that this competition doesn’t pull the same audiences as say, track or beach volleyball. On the other hand, neither horse or rider has to wear a thong.

A couple of decades ago, I remember reading the results of a poll that asked Americans which award, of any in the world, they would like to win. While a few opted for the fantasy of nabbing an Oscar or Nobel Prize, the vast majority responded that they would want an Olympic gold medal. And who could blame them? I do, too! Which other award symbolizes the gritty determination, lifelong dedication and superhuman performance achieved at exactly the right moment against the best in the world? It’s stupendous, inspiring—sublime.

And then reality hits with a clunk, and we’re back to our own reality, in our own life, with maybe a plaque on our office wall commemorating 25 years of service to our jobs or finishing required hours for certification…with no Olympic medals for company. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t experienced our own, personal Olympics—heady triumphs that only we, or a few friends, are privy to. 

At the risk of sounding like a bellowing Oprah Winfrey, the way I see it, “You get a medal! And YOU get a medal!”

Did you get both the front and back yard mowed before 9am in dripping humidity this month? YOU get a medal!

Did you put your phone aside to spend a solid hour loving on, and playing with, your dog after hearing them give a despondent sigh of abandonment? YOU get a medal!!

Have you finally mastered the new computer program that your company has changed to? Absolutely a gold medal for you!!

Let’s not forget honorable mentions for those of you packing lunches for needy children during these summer months, volunteering at animal shelters or simply giving someone a hug who desperately needs it. No one else might witness your work, but that doesn’t matter…it’s enough for you to quietly acknowledge to yourself that you’ve chosen to be a part of a change for good. Leaving your community better than you found it.

And for this you may not have gold to wear around your neck but you’ll certainly have jewels in your crown. With no podium needed.