TunneySide of Sports

On the TunneySide of Sports December 23, 2019 #775 Up next… Change the Way You Look at Things

After further review… If you celebrated Chanukah yesterday and today or you are getting ready for Christmas this week, your spirits are or will be at a  giving level. That level, like the word philanthropy, doesn’t necessarily mean donating money to others. It is simply a feeling of goodwill towards others. This time of year encourages that spirit. Hopefully, it will remain.

In many of my professional presentations over the last 40 years, I have used the expression: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Many resist change because of its unknown nature. Yet we need to welcome change. You can change your world by changing your words.

This was apparent to me when I began working with special athletes in the mid-1970 at their Special Olympics summer games. For some observers watching disabled athletes attempt what was a simple athletic move was unnerving. However, when you work alongside these special athletes, you can feel their spirit and never-give-up attitude. Note: the term handicapped has been removed not only because it is disrespectful, but every one of us may have a handicap.

When I first became an NFL game official, some “white” players were angry that “black” players were entering their sport. Terms of disrespect were heard often on the gridiron. Time and understanding have changed much of that. When the first openly gay players “came out” (I never did like that term), they were not well accepted. Change the way you look at things…

A few decades ago, you may recall the taunting of gay people through the use of derogatory terms like “fairy,” “queer,” and “faggot.” How in God’s name does one expect to better himself by disrespecting another? Hopefully, we are improving both on and off the field.

In the 1940s the entrance of Jackie Robinson into major league baseball was difficult for players and fans alike. Many whites called it their game. If you look at those playing professional sports today, a transformation has taken place dramatically. From this view, sports can lead the way by accepting others of different backgrounds and beliefs.

While we still have a long way to go in respecting others’ differences, we find that this holiday season – whether it be Chanukah, Christmas, any religious or non-religious belief – can bring a feeling of goodness towards others. Have a blessed holiday and a grateful 2020!

Will you bring forth the goodness within you to help others?

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To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Jim’s bobblehead ($30.) and new book “Yet Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” ($20.) make great Christmas gifts, Send check to Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c) P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA, 93953 includes autograph and free S & H, Have a blessed holiday season.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!