Celebrate!
Chances are you have heard of Jamaica by now. A small Island Nation of about 3 million people, a GDP that is better left not talking about, and an average income most people in the developed world could not fathom existing on. Yet our flags are all over the stands of the World Championships, and even on the backs of our runners who have won a few races.
Our unofficial motto is “No Problem” but ironically life in Jamaica can be quite stressful, but perhaps that is a little of what makes us soar. Our athletes handle the stress, the famous trash talk and antics will not ruffle our athlete’s feathers, after all it isn’t real. Jamaicans know a little of what real threats can be.
But what these Jamaican athletes seem to have that the world could learn from, apart from running fast, very fast, is an ability to enjoy life’s precious great moments. Officials have suggested that the appropriate way to celebrate the winning of an Olympic Gold medal is to walk calmly over to your competitors and shake their hands. Our Jamaicans jumped shouted, danced, waved and laughed! Perhaps we are not so refined and our responses are not so rehearsed, but they were free and they were honest. Most of all they were fun.
Each of these athletes has been able to lift the spirits of a Nation, a Nation that needed a lift. They represent hope, in a time when hope is somewhat scarce. They give us reason to celebrate, when mostly we have been criticized. Perhaps some people in their refined lives found these celebrations too early, or too loud or too “boasy” as we say in Jamaica, but here in Jamaica we hardly noticed them because we were all far to busy screaming, laughing, dancing and jumping around!
We like to dance in Jamaica, in the streets, in our homes, in our cars. Music is a part of our lives, and we like it and it comes naturally. The Reggae Marathon begins to the beat of drums, and the sound systems that line the course create a beat that can carry you along, finishing to the unmistakable melody of Marley.
So while some of our athletes may have inspired you to push a little harder in your next speed work, or go out and buy a pair of puma super duper shoes, let them also inspire you to turn the music up and sing on your way to work, spread your arms and run, it still feels good even when you are an adult. Enjoy your achievements because you deserve it, and if you feel like it, go ahead, DANCE!
