Although I don't watch American Idol, I follow all the talk in the entertainment section of the USA Today. Last week San Diegan Adam Lambert came in second, and just this past week-end Susan Boyle came in second on Britain's Got Talent. I watched both of them on YouTube, and just want to say that I'm surprised with the outcome of both shows.
I remember when my son used to play soccer, and whenever his team lost I would remind him how great he played. It never mattered how well he played, because it was all about winning. He would be distraught and I would hate driving him home because he would go on and on about why his team lost. It was heartbreaking to be a loser, at least that was how he felt. Maybe it's because I have never been good at sports, or anything competitive, but I have always felt strongly about hard work and working toward a personal best.
The same can be said of the many of the games I attended during my years as a cheer advisor. Participating and working as a team member or as an individual athlete is all that matters. It was about giving it your all, working hard, and improving. Having pride in your performance, and enjoying the sport, was what I believed most important, and if you won, then all the better.
Having talent of any kind, whether it's being good at sports, being an accomplished musician, having artistic talent, taking awesome photographs, or being knowledgeable in any field of study, is a gift that should be respected and applauded.
Why is it that being a winner is so important? Why is it that coming in second is being a loser?
If Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle are losers, then I want to be a loser along with them.
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