Some think winning isn't everything it's the only thing. I also know many people who won't do anything if they can win. I watch my children struggle with the truth in life that winning doesn't happen all the time and there is disappointment.
I am a little different when it come to winning. Don't be confused I love to win and I have been guilty of thoughts and actions that are less than becoming. But if winning a prize was my only goal I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today.
I spent a number of years as a child in Germany learning to love soccer.When I moved back to the U.S. in Anniston, Alabama ,1985 they didn't have girls soccer teams. They had soccer teams. I wanted to play and I knew it would mean playing on a boys team. I figured why not? try out. I did and I think half of them felt bad for me (being a girl and not a boy) and the other thought I might actually cut it. So I became the only female player on the Saks High School soccer team. I played my heart out and I tried to be the best I could be. I wasn't great but I was diligent. I loved the game and I loved (although I played very little) the lesson I began to learn about winning from within. Being the only girl on all guys teams makes being great- tough, not because I couldn't do the work but I was in a league with only two other girls and one was a goalie (need I say more?) I was targeted when put in games, when metal cleats were still allowed I suffered lots of cleat marks on the top of my feet as other players would step on top of my feet, wind around digging the cleats into the top of my foot. I suffered because my coach was afraid to put me in worried I would be injured. I watched in frustration many games thinking I should be in the game and learning later in life that just being on the team was a bold statement.
I am not afraid of losing a particular game or contest - No, my fear is much greater and that is - the will to try. I win within- I look at my experience and find what helps make me a better me and find victory there. I don't worry about the possible outcome and won't let fear keep me.
I compete this Saturday in a national competition. Many of the women I will compete against will surely have worked hard and done many of the things I have done. However, many have been competing for years and expect to win. Some have even gone past the normal limits in order to secure a win, a pro card with potential sponsorship deals and many will question their efforts. I however will take my two great friends head to KY with a itty bitty teeny winy bikini - a smile, a peace in my heart and the will to win from within.
I hope you will learn to win from within. Look at victory as something you hand yourself. Have the will to win but not be hindered by who calls you winner. I know I am winner and I define that differently every day. Teach your children that the only real losers are the ones who fail to try. ( but don't call them losers it's not good the self esteem :)
