"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The last few weeks have been filled with fierce competition. As the world has watched young people…and not so young…compete in the Olympics, we have seen many athletes rise to the dream they have held since childhood. Still others came home without medals. Since we live in a culture that so values competition and winning, it is easy to say things like "they will have to settle for a Silver medal." Most people I know would be quite happy to ‘settle’ for a silver medal or bronze or even just the chance to travel half the world away to do what they love. But no one seems to make mention of this fact.

It was, of course, wonderful to watch Michael Phelps win eight gold medals. The obstacles he overcame to get there are equally as admirable. Yet, the athletes who lost with grace are the ones who win my heart. Winning, achieving your goal with grace is one thing. But holding disappointment and perceived failure with grace is something different altogether.

Several times while watching these athletes compete a wise statement of my mother’s ran through my head. Any time I was in a competitive experience she would say to me:"Remember, everyone there wants this just as much as you do. In these kinds of things, there always has to be a winner and loser." It was a reminder to keep everything in perspective. It was not always easy to hear but it sure made the outcome seem easier to deal with.

We always want to believe that the goals we set for ourselves, those we watch our children set, those we see our leaders set, will result in the light of the winner’s circle. But it has been my experience that those times when I’ve had to ‘settle’ for silver, or even not qualified to compete at all,  also has its rewards.Most often when the goal or the dream is not achieved, something else comes along that wouldn’t have been possible if gold had been achieved. The real goal is to accept it all with the grace and humility exhibited by so many who placed long held dreams on the world stage for all to see.

Another competition is brewing in our country. One which will have far greater implications for the world than how fast someone can run a marathon or swim a lap. As political leaders of all stripes gather over the next few days to make very important decisions, may all gathered find within themselves some of the class and grace exhibited in Beijing. Perhaps then both winners and losers will reach for their best selves.