One sees himself as Victorious when the perception is one of gain. It's all in the mind. A person can gain employment and think himself Victorious. A person can gain a degree. A new friend. Freedom.
Yet with all of these comes the burden of responsibility. With a new job you must punch-in on time and perform to an expected standard. With a degree comes the repayment of student loans. A relationship takes nurturing and emotions and time. Those with true freedom are often alone. Does Victory really come from gain?
Victory can also be a result of people around you telling you that you are Victorious. Whether or not a person "feels" like a winner can sometimes be a result of what others say or imply is the truth. We want to believe, so we rejoice when we hear it. But what if what one person sees as a Victory, another sees as defeat? Is it really a Victory then?
As I watched someone walk away today with his head held high and a smirk on his face, I noticed a twinge in his jaw. He wanted to feel Victorious. He wanted those around him to view him as Victorious.
I hoped he knew, as I did, that he was not. But it's hard to change another person's mind.
He began the meeting feeling triumphant. For him, life is a game. Each move will be won or lost. He is thrilled by competition and those around him often become better players in order to stay in the game. He made a move. He told his opponent that he had everything to gain and nothing to lose. He would win, and she would lose everything. His opponent skirmed, but held fast. Little battle after little battle. Finally, until the war came to a close.
He arrogantly he looked around and silently declared Victory.
He stood alone.
Head held high he turned and walked off the battlefield,
smiling as if in a parade. But those who knew, saw. They saw all the damage and destruction that lay around him. All the hurt and confusion and pain. Much had been sacrificed on behalf of others and his opponent was congratulated.
Yet he chose to see Victory. He spun and postured until in his mind he beheld it.
Victory, Sweet Victory!
And with a twitching jaw, the little warrior felt victorious. Even if the victory was only in the mind of the beholder.
Posts
