In Others’ Words: Losing

I like to win.

Hang around me long enough — and especially if you play a game like Scotland Yard or Bohnanza! with me — and you’ll learn that I don’t like to lose.

I embraced the whole  ”If you’re going to play, then play to win” mantra years ago.

Let’s face it, we’re all going to lose sometime. Why not be really honest? We’re all going to lose multiple times.

I’ve found myself not just in second place … or third … or in the oh-so-comfortable middle of the pack.

There have been times I was exhausted beyond all my efforts, wondering how-did-I-end-up-here dead last. I mean, there’s losing … and then there’s l-o-s-i-n-g.

What have I gained from losing?

I’ve had to decide what defines me. Is it the winning? Or the losing? Both? Or neither? Am I more myself when I win? Or is the real me the one down on her knees, gasping for breath, wondering why my efforts failed? Am I only valid — valuable — when I hoist a trophy or clutch a ribbon? If that’s true — then I am worth less when I lose.

And that thought — I am worth less when I lose — is a lie from the pit of hell and smells like smoke, my friends.

In Your Words: What have you gained from losing?

Are you worth less when you lose? Click to Tweet

What have you gained from losing? Click to Tweet