The groundhog saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.
Snow and ice are melting, but another snow and ice event is in the forecast. We celebrate Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day and Black History month. We must not forget Super Bowl Sunday!
However, in addition to these, the Winter Olympics are taking place in Beijing.
With China’s Covid policy for the athletes and the restrictions on spectators attending, it is not the same as previous years. In addition, global tensions are high with speculation about diplomacy versus war.
I remember the excitement of the opening ceremony in times when the athletes were the focus, not global politics and pandemics. What has happened to our global community? Where do we go from here?

The beauty of the Olympic Games were established by the Greeks to honor the training and excellence of the athletes. Athletes, worldwide, have been training for years preparing to represent their country at the Olympics! Perseverance, dedication, hours and hours of training should be rewarded as they compete at this level. This should be a time when excellence is lauded independent of the country represented. We need as a global community to embrace these few days for all the positive elements they represent. In our homes, with the assistance of technology, we can view multiple events at various time zone changes. What a grand opportunity to share with our children the values these athletes represent and encourage them to find and follow their talent whatever it may be! We cannot afford to focus on the mediocre for our children, country and world!
Horses are great examples for us as they strive to do their best for us! They do better when they are learning new skills, working to keep their health strong, and loving life!! Horses desire companionship. Relying on each other helps horses feel safe. The variety of horses is as great as the number of differing opinions about which breed or color is best. Thank goodness, horses are not opinionated when it comes to the outside appearance of people. We are truly equal in their eyes. As we watch athletes compete at the Olympics this month, remember all athletes are truly equal representatives of their countries! Cheer on the USA athletes, but don’t forget to cheer high quality effort and performance!