Being a Winner

Winning with humility is not easy. This past week I won second place for my poem "Senior World" in the Growing Bolder Poetry contest. I was surprised by the win since I knew so many great poets were entering. I was also over the top excited and happy that my poem would be read by Orlando's Poet Lauriat, Shawn Welcome, on the Growing Bolder facebook.

I know I was grinning BIG while he read, and for maybe quite a bit longer afterward. I was honored but to be humble I needed to remind myself that poetry competitions are very subjective in nature. Judges bring their poetry expertise but also their own personal preferences of style and subject matter. Many many poems are worthy of the honor I had laid in my hand.

It is appropriate to celebrate wins. It is okay to smile and give thanks. It is a wise person who acknowledges the truth about competition. That day I was a winner. But there have been days my name has not been called. Being a humble and grateful looser is also wise. Feeling sad for a moment that your good or great poem was not awarded an honor is okay. But a smile and congratulations for the winner is a sign of humility and good character.

Win or lose, my goal is to grow in humility and gratitude.

#GrowingBolder #poetry