I’ve never had too much of a competitive spirit. Playful? Sure. But not necessarily competitive. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to lose. Even when I know I had friends and family rooting for me from all over the place, it still stings a little more than I would like it to. A little more than I expected.
It is with a sad heart I share with you I did not win the costume contest I entered a couple of weeks ago. In spite of the support I had from all of you, my beloved WordPress family, the award went to someone else. When I heard the news, I found myself feeling something with which I am not familiar. Loss. From the ground up, it does not become me.
Almost simultaneously, I felt the wheels in my mind churning to find my silver lining. Sure enough, it came to me in droves a mere second or two later. You. The person reading this, standing by my side in this moment. You are my silver lining. Because I may not have won the prize, but I didn’t lose it alone. I lost it with the love and support of every single one of you, regardless of whether you’ve been by my side since I started sharing joy from the ground up in 2012 or you just hopped on the joy wagon today. That is my silver lining.
I know not everyone’s mind works like that. It isn’t everyone’s first reaction to something bad to try to find something good. But it wasn’t always the way my mind worked either. It’s taken making happiness a habit for me to realize that there is a silver lining in any situation; it’s just not always that easy to find.
It is a rare instance for me to disagree with a famously brilliant person, but today that is exactly what I’m going to do. “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing,” said legendary Packer coach Vince Lombardi. As it pertains to the Packers, he’s right. But in every other aspect of life, I can’t say it’s true that winning is the only thing. Especially when losing isn’t half bad.
Wiley's Wisdom 
You’re right Wiley, “winning isn’t everything.” What if you won against your friend who really, really needed the win? That would be a loss for both. I’m sorry you didn’t win the costume contest, Wiles. The four legged friend who won must have been especially cute and adorable to beat you.
You’re too kind, dear Lyn. I actually felt kind of badly for Sophie, the winner. Her people painted her like a tiger, which I definitely wouldn’t like. I’ll take my Yoda costume over that kind of treatment any day! Perspective is a mighty interesting thing.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Oh, that one was the winner? Yes, I see what you mean Wiles. I thought she looked terribly sad.
You have the best attitude Wiles. I was checking upon the contest and kept clicking but not enough. Still you are one smart, wise and wonderful dog Wiles. And the prize you give us is priceless too. Love is more important than anything else and we love you Wiles!
You’re so sweet, dear friend. I hope all is well on your side of the world. 🙂
Thanks my dear friend, yes very busy but happy! Life is good and brings joy as you do!
Sometime it isn’t fair, you were the cutest Yoda ever. but maybe it is the olympic motto what really counts? to be a part of it? and at last we all are winner, aren’t we? and next year you can try it again and I will vote till my pws will glow :o)
🙂 I love the idea of voting until our paws glow. You made me feel better, brother, as you always do.