Award-Winning Life Lessons Caitlyn Jenner Taught Us

Tonight is ESPN's annual ESPY awards ceremony, and amongst the many esteemed attendees is award-winning Olympian athlete and trans advocate Caitlyn Jenner, who is set to receive the extremely prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

While the announcement of Caitlyn's nomination wasn't without controversy, we couldn't think of a more deserving person to receive an award that ESPNthemselves say is to "reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost."

There are plenty of lessons that Caitlyn's journey through womanhood taught us, and the world, about courageness and about life. 

In the face of harsh criticisms, stay true to who you are. 

Coming out is difficult for any trans person, but much more so when you're under the constant microscope of the paps and tabloids who want to see you fail. Caitlyn's willingness to keep finding out who she is in light of the press' harsh words is the epitome of courage.

Courage is not just sticking up for yourself, but also sticking up for others.

Not only does Caitlyn have the bravery to stand up for herself as a trans woman, but her story also advocates for the struggles millions of other trans people who don't necessarily have the same spotlight as her. And as .Mic points out, not only is Caitlyn receiving the Arthur Ashe Award a victory for trans people, but it's also a victory for all of the vastly underrepresented women in sports.

Don't let others diminish your accomplisments. 

The most vocal criticism of Caitlyn receiving the Arthur Ashe Award is that there are plenty of other deserving people who can receive it. According to sportscaster Bob Costas, it should have gone to someone who is "actively involved" in sports. 

1) Other people's equally heroic and courageous accomplishments aren't diminshed when one person is being celebrated for theirs, and 2) heroism isn't a contest.

Plenty of people can be examples of courage. And in this case, it's Caitlyn's time to shine.

Are you excited for this year's ESPYs? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter.