Advantageous Losing

The little boy was overheard saying, “Losing is the Pitts!” after his little league baseball game, and most people would have to agree. The emotional expenditure for losing at something is not only significant, but it can be overwhelming. But are there times when losing is a good thing? Are there times when losing is advantageous rather than a defeat?

Losing hair, losing money, losing friends, losing loved ones, losing jobs, losing transportation, losing papers, losing court battles are just a few of the many opportunities to lose. What about the example of the losing that is demonstrated on talent shows? One by one when people are eliminated some appear to have lost at life itself. The devastation of losing is manifested upon every face when it comes to sports events, and who can even begin to describe the agony that is shown by those who experience loss of life? However, within the midst of loss, is there gain to be found?

Deeper reflection must be engaged to find benefits to losing, advantage to loss. Character is revealed and built in the times of loss. What is within a person manifests itself when the other side wins, the other group prevails or the opponent has victory. Anyone rejoices when they make a touchdown, but how often does the camera reveal jubilation when there is a fumble, a dropped ball or even worse, a missed opportunity? Losing is much like fruit trees, the revelation of the type of tree one sees is contingent upon the type of fruit it's bearing, and that takes a little while to be displayed.

There is at least one thing that most people are happy to lose: weight! Get rid of the fat, get rid of the belly, get rid of this extra spare tire one is carrying, and losing is winning, loss is gain, defeat is victory. In fact, weight loss centers and the like make fortunes from promoting such loss. Losing debt is another one, and perhaps the reader will be victorious and think of a few more advantageous losses while he or she wins by engaging in opportunities that have potential for loss, but avoid the greatest loss of all which is never to participate. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?