Winners all

Western Kentucky has made it to the big dance of the NCAA tournament this year with a record of 15 wins and 18 losses. I would venture to say that they have the worst record in the tournament, and will be one of the first teams to go home. They will have been a winner, regardless of the outcome, after all, since they made it that far with such a lousy record. It capped off a pretty dismal season, yet the memory of playing in the tournament will be so memorable… they won.

Winning can be defined in many ways. We like to define our own wins, whether they be on a field, gym, or other arena. I am thinking here of politics. Tuesday was “super” Tuesday for the republican candidates. All four of them declared victory: Newt, because he won his home state of Georgia; Mitt, because he swept New England, and almost lost, but didn’t, Ohio; Rick, because he almost had more votes in Ohio than Romney, and therefore he won there and in a few other states; and Ron Paul, that champion of democracy declared victory for his principles and democracy. All winners; all in it for the long haul. It is so good to be able to define your win, no matter what else happens.

One contestant was kicked off American Idol tonight. Did he lose? No! He was in the top 13 and survived until  tonight. He won, disappointed that it ended now, but someday the world will hear his recorded voice again and he will make a lot of money; a big winner.

And the rest of us, winners all. The victory today for me: a long walk along the highway, and I am still alive despite a hundred 18 wheelers that tried to knock me off. I am a winner.

So it helps to define what winning is in your own eyes, adjust to it; enjoy the ride or walk, and be a winner.