Last week we spoke about participation trophies. This week, I’d like to expand upon that idea. This idea is one which I currently wrestle. And it has to do with again with self-esteem.
Upon learning about the participation trophies, I instructed my son to respectfully decline the award. Upon hearing myself say that, It immediately created in me another question. That is, shouldn’t we still accept the gift? No-one denies a gift, regardless of what it is. How many time have you received the proverbial “blender” that you already have?
My realization was that it all comes back to how we handle the situation. The league gives out participation trophies, not the team. Respect dictates that we receive and accept the trophy. So, I changed my instruction to my son to accept the trophy. Not as an award but as a sign of respect. Be humble, say thank you. Smile for the cameras.
Just don’t accept it into your heart about the trophy’s meaning. Build up the self-esteem not the ego.
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