Freuden*what?!(it’s a real word!)

The enjoyment of another person's success. Taking delight in someone else's achievement.

“Yes! This!” As I read this definition in Atlas of the Heart - I was so happy to see that there was a word to capture this experience as it doesn’t exist in the English language.

It does exist and can be done!

As a coach & educator I feel this ALL of the time. I imagine parents do too. But this can be a tricky one for some dancers & athletes.

Certain leadership styles, guidance, and environmental conditions can foster freudenfreude and others do the opposite, creating toxicity and fear.

Every year, at least one dancer frames someone else’s achievement or growth as proof they failed or aren’t good enough. It’s not true. So, we walk through their personal data and reframe what is really going on.

When we have confidence in ourselves, our effort, our growth and grit- we can celebrate others while holding perspective and self worth.