Over the weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with the Special Olympics of Washington [SOWA]. Little did I know at the time, it would be one of the most impactful experiences I’ve felt.

Three months ago, my friend, Cary, invited me to join her and coworkers at Cobalt Mortgage in volunteering for SOWA. At the time, I thought it would be a fun and rewarding experience. As we arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McCord on a beautiful Saturday and learned our roles in the Post-Race Staging area on the track, my beliefs were confirmed. Our duties included cheering on athletes as they approached the finish line, escorting them to the cool-down tent, and providing water, before taking them to their award ceremonies.

Sounds fun and rewarding, right? It wasn’t until the races began that I realized this experience would be so much more. I’d like to take you through two interactions that rendered “fun” and “rewarding” insignificant:

First, I met a SOWA veteran participating in the female 100-meter assisted-walk. As she hustled toward the finish, the competition proved much quicker and passed her by. I greeted her as she crossed the finish line in last place, thinking I’d be met with disappointment. Instead, I was met with a bright smile and multiple high-fives. Before I could utter one encouraging word, she exclaimed, “I didn’t fall! I fall every year, but didn’t this time!” Regardless of her standing in the race, she was a winner.

Next, I met one of the more enthusiastic athletes racing in the male 100 meter dash. He crossed the finish line in 7th place, but seemed to have plenty to celebrate. I raised a hand for a high-five only to receive the most endearing bear hug that nearly drove us both to the ground. After the heartwarming embrace, I asked him how he ran so fast. He pointed to the ground and said, “it’s the shoes.” I peaked down to see a sharp, brand new pair of running shoes, fit for a proud winner.

Throughout the day, I shared high-fives, big smiles, and moments of pure, uninhibited joy. I forgot that most of the athletes were entirely dependent upon loved ones and caregivers to get through each day. I forgot only because they forgot. During those rare and exceptional moments, all that mattered was quite simple:

Finish the race without falling…Strut a new pair of shoes…Share in a moment of pure, uninhibited joy with someone waiting at the finish line.

Perhaps, now, you can understand why “fun” and “rewarding” just don’t cut it. My experience was perspective-changing.

The simplicity of life’s gifts makes them easy to overlook. Our perspectives get clouded with work stress, family drama, relationship issues, and a plethora of disheartening circumstances. Periodically, we need a reset; an experience that changes our perspectives and reminds us to appreciate the little things.

Next time you’re in a race, wear a new pair of shoes; celebrate the fact that you finished; appreciate who you have cheering you on at the finish line. Because winning the race isn’t just about getting first place.