I’ve loved the Olympics since I was a little girl. I love the back stories, the incredible
athleticism, the determination of the athletes, and the pure fun of healthy, vibrant
competition. Yet the Olympics in Paris have been my absolute favorite. These Olympics
were the first ever to have true parity of men and women competing and that absolutely
added to my joy in watching.
Representation matters and seeing women at the height of their physical athleticism,
desire to compete, and truly incredible sportsmanship made me proud to be a woman
and to support other women. When I was a young girl watching the Olympics, the
women who we saw most were the gymnasts in the summer games and the ice skaters
in the winter games. I still love watching those events, but it’s incredible to watch the
female track and field competitors, wrestlers, boxers, fencers, soccer players,
and rugby players, to name just a few. This year women were represented by different
body types, ethnicities, and races and they were so much fun to watch.
When I was a young girl there wasn’t much energy behind women’s sports, at any level.
The money wasn’t there, the motivation wasn’t there, and the representation was
certainly not there. My granddaughter will have so many more opportunities to be an
athlete than I did. I’m excited for her to have those choices. Women in athletics
have less depression and anxiety, and tend to have stronger friendships and purpose in
their lives.
Watching the women support each other in the Olympics was outstanding. Simone Biles
and Jordan Chiles bowing to their competitor, Rebeca Andrade from Brazil, may have
been one of my very favorite moments from these games. Watching husbands and
partners cheering on the women they love also brought a lump to my throat. We’ve
seen women cheering on their men for centuries. Watching the reciprocal happen
was so meaningful and important for all of us.
Parity in athletics is a great start and will hopefully motivate our society to include
women in the boardroom, in politics and, in every aspect of life where their voices and
their participation are needed. When we open the doors to true life parity, we hear all
voices, increase our creativity, productivity, and our ability to learn and grow. These
Olympics will surely motivate the next generation of little girls to do more, achieve more,
and compete more. That’s a gold medal for all of us.
Love,
Certified Professional Coach and Psychologist
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How often have you wished for that person in your life who listens deeply, doesn’t judge you, and doesn’t try to fix you? That person who holds space for you to talk through your struggles, your hopes, and dreams so that you can live the personal and professional life that you truly want? I’m that person. Yes, I’m a psychologist and a professional life and leadership coach but my superpower is listening, deep, empathic, compassionate listening. If you’ve been seeking a professional listener who will help you live the life you truly desire, let’s set up a time to talk. My email is Lisa@LisaKaplin.com.