Life often surprises us with wisdom in the most unexpected places. For me, that unexpected teacher was a reality TV show—The Amazing Race. Though reality TV is not usually my go-to, this series, with its high-stakes global adventures and fierce competition, has always held a unique fascination. Beyond the thrills and challenges, it reveals something deeper: how people respond to pressure and how those responses reflect their broader approach to life.
This season, two contestants caught my attention in particular. They were best friends—two young gay men, avid gamers who bonded over Dungeons and Dragons. When tasked with wearing knight’s armor during a leg of the race in Portugal, one of them exclaimed with radiant joy, “This is the best day of my life!” His delight in the moment—the pure, unfiltered happiness found in play—was palpable and infectious.
Contrast that with another racer, who, alongside his wife, seemed trapped in frustration and anger, constantly complaining whenever they weren’t leading. His dissatisfaction cast a shadow over their entire experience.
Watching these two very different reactions side by side made me pause. Here were two approaches to life encapsulated in one show: one of celebration and presence, the other of complaint and fixation on outcomes. Despite the game’s contrived nature and the lure of a million-dollar prize, the way these men engaged with the journey was deeply telling. And it stirred in me a renewed commitment: to choose celebration, not complaint.
Finding Gratitude Amidst Life’s Challenges
It’s all too easy these days to get caught in the web of complaints—political strife, personal struggles, health issues, or simply the daily grind. I, too, have fallen into that trap more times than I’d like to admit. Yet, at my core, I know life is a profound blessing. Sometimes, it just takes a jarring reminder to reconnect with that truth.
That reminder came vividly through the joy of the Amazing Race contestant, but also in a deeply personal memory: my wedding day with Anne in June 2014. Surrounded by friends and family who traveled from far and wide, we celebrated love and community. At the close of that day, I told Anne, “Today is the happiest day of my life.” And she wholeheartedly agreed.
Such moments don’t require grand events or televised competitions. They exist everywhere—in the small, fleeting miracles of daily life. A kind word from a stranger, an unexpected smile, a moment of quiet beauty in nature. For me, birdsong often carries that gentle, grounding magic.
Embracing Life’s Gifts with an Open Heart
Living fully means opening our hearts wider—welcoming love, compassion, and gratitude even when life feels difficult or uncertain. Each subtle nudge toward appreciation is a gift, a chance to expand our perspective.
My aspiration now is simple but profound: to greet every morning with the mindset that “This is the best day of my life.” Not because every day will be perfect, but because each day holds the potential for joy, connection, and meaning if we allow it.
Lessons From Play and Presence
The joy of that contestant playing knight was a powerful lesson in presence—finding delight in the here and now instead of fretting over outcomes. It reminded me that life is less about winning and more about how we engage with the journey itself.
When we stop to celebrate moments—whether big or small—we cultivate resilience and joy. When we complain, we often tether ourselves to disappointment and frustration, missing the richness of the present.
A Call to Live in Celebration
In a world full of noise and distractions, it’s a radical act to choose celebration over complaint. But it’s a choice that can transform our experience, deepen our relationships, and brighten our outlook.
So, whether inspired by a game show or a quiet sunrise, may we all find reasons to say, like that joyful contestant, “This is the best day of my life.” Because, truly, it can be.
Peggy Kornegger is the author of four books, including Living with Spirit and Breast Cancer and Beyond — An Unexpected Soul Path. She blogs biweekly at spirit-flower.com.