This week, across the globe, citizens are coming together with eyes on Italy. Not to argue politics or report disasters but to celebrate Olympians, who, despite odds, are showing what is possible on snow and ice, in wind and storm, with or without cheering crowds.

American’s are stealing our hearts not only by grabbing the gold, but through their dignity in defeat. After her horrendous fall, the skier Lindsey Vonn, told us she has “no regrets” and goes further to remind us “the only failure in life is not trying.” After his free skate Ilia Malinin acknowledged he “blew” it, but added, “You learn more from failure than you do from winning.” Their courage inspires the whole of us.

Oh, how we need this coming together. The six rings form into one fabulous symbol to remind each one of us what resilience and passion looks like. What camaraderie looks like. What hope looks like. What global unity looks like. And it’s joyous to watch!

This week Catholics across the globe consider what cross to bear this Lent. As children we always gave up sweets. As adults, perhaps the bar drinks. But in recent years, there’s been a drive towards more meaning in one’s fasting. Pope Leo offered this decree. “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he said. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” One can barely imagine a world where our leaders could or even would lead with such a decree in their hearts, out of their mouths, or in their social media posts, but neighbor to neighbor, perhaps we can “give way to words of hope and peace.” For Lent, might we try?

Nearly 2 billion people all over our globe also celebrated the Lunar New Year this week, sweeping out the discarded skin of last year’s snake, and heralding in the Fire Horse. In our home we did our best to clear away the tired reminders of what we have outgrown and embrace the daring risks ahead. A feast was cooked in our kitchen and eaten while paper lanterns swung overhead. There is little I love more that a chance to start anew, as I am always grateful for grounded traditions that allow for this very opportunity. Giddy Up indeed.