L is for Loser

When I was in high school the cross country team would begin their race at the beginning of the football game and come back and take their final lap around the track sometime during the game.  I don't remember the runners, except for the 3 boys I had crushes on and one girl. This girl was NOT fast.  This girl came in last--way last as in everyone else has finished, showered and had a hot dog last.  There wasn't a single race that year that she didn't place dead last.  And still she ran.

I've been thinking about her.  I don't even know her name, but that's okay because sometimes I can't remember my own.  What I've been thinking is that she had some serious courage going on because when you train hard (I'm sure she must have gone to practice each day along with her team mates) you expect to win or at least get better.  You probably don't expect to be the ultimate loser every single time, especially in front of your whole high school.

It's easy to be a winner.  Okay, I know all the practice, hard work, effort part can be grueling, but winning is fun.  It's why we work; it's what we work for.  But, not all of us can be winners.  Some of us will be losers and losing sucks.  It isn't fun. 

So I want to give a big shout-out today to all the losers.  The people who don't win but have the courage to try.  You amaze me; you inspire me.  My hat is off to you.  Actually I don't wear hats, but my glasses are off to you--mostly cause I keep losing them--but just know that I am doing mental high kicks and jump-splits for you, only don't try to picture that or you might throw up. 

So picture my friend here instead--your own personal cheerleader!

And keep trying, even if you're losing.