So Boise State, underdogs again, beat TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.
Yay!
Did I go to Boise State? Is that what you’re thinking?
No, I didn’t.
Do I hate TCU for some reason?
No.
It’s just that, well, I have a thing for underdogs.
I know we all probably have that soft spot somewhere in us, but for me, it’s especially pronounced. I went through the years of bullying and torment that many go through, and when you run through that gauntlet, you sympathize. I’m not saying I’m the only person on earth that has sympathy for underdogs, and I’m not saying that bullies don’t develop sympathy. And I don’t wish evil on them. I don’t. And I don’t strive for things today to shove it in their faces.
I’m simply saying that when you grow up counted out, there’s very little a supportive brother or family member can say that will bring you back, or make you feel…well…counted in. Somehow you have to find the strength to face it every day, and work out places in the mind where you can process human relations and self-confidence. And maybe you hope against hope that it stops.
Boise State figures into that picture. Lack of respect is lack of respect, and sometimes you just have to play the cards you are dealt. And that’s okay! That builds character, I suppose. I’m sure Boise State has heard it all. “Too small,” “Not strong enough,” whatever.
But their arms were strong enough to hold trophies tonight.
I don’t expect every commentator to jump on a certain bandwagon or support a certain team. Heck, that’s what commentary is, usually…differences of opinion. People are entitled to differences of opinion. Of course, not everyone is going to support everything we do in life. Not by a long shot.
And, just so you know, not everyone who tells us we can’t or shouldn’t do something hates us. Quite the contrary. Many times people dissuade/discourage us because they genuinely care about us and don’t want to see us hurt or disappointed.
The gift is when we can tell the difference.
Yes. You heard me. The gift in life is to know when someone is losing faith in us and when they truly care about us.
We shouldn’t react out of anger or spite when we perceive someone is limiting us or not living up to our expectations of encouragement. We should take stock, consider their advice, and act accordingly.
If we succeed, good for us.
If we don’t, not bad on us.
We act because we feel that it is right. Not to hurt others, prove them wrong, or stand in arrogance, holding a blazing sword over their lifeless, non-believing bodies.
We go out on the field an play the bigger, stronger, faster team because we know, deep down, we can do it. That’s all. We know it’s something we want to do, after thorough consideration. We might climb that mountain and overcome, not on the merits of commentary, but on the power of action.
And tonight, Boise State did.
-josh
Josh,
Thank you for your thought provoking words. Like you, I have a soft spot for the underdog.
I tend to disagree with those who discourage others. Regardless if they’re right in their assumptions, I think it’s wrong to rain on another’s parade. Eventually, that person will discover whether or not his/her dreams are possible. But to cut some one down is cruel. Life is so much better when we believe in our dreams…
*E*
@*E*: Thank you for the comment! It’s good to see you here again. We’ve missed your comments. Underdogs are indeed often easy to root for. However, I think you misinterpreted me on part of this post. I’m not sure my sentiment was that it is ok to “cut some one down.” I don’t advocate cutting down and cruelty. Loving advice from a parent or trusted friend is not cutting down, and if you find that it is, maybe it’s time for new friends. What I do advocate is appreciation for those who love us, and I advocate evolving the discrimination to be able to hear differing opinions of even our very own dreams! Now, that may not be popular, but it is necessary. That may not be easy, but it is essential. Why? Simply because not everyone is going to support us in what we do. And even some who love us, may try to keep us from (what they perceive to be) potentially painful or hurtful situations, or situations they might have tried and found wanting. If we have ever given advice to someone because we love them, or if we have ever been a mentor, given guidance, asked ourselves the question “How can they do that?”, urged someone in another direction, or desired to help someone “get on the right path”, then we owe it to humanity to take its opinions on our own life not in anger or resentment, but in a spirit of gratitude that we are able to examine our own lives and consider our actions, then act with the knowledge that we are doing something on our terms because it feels right to us. We shouldn’t punish others for having…well…another opinion. If we act with consideration, we lose the resentment that can accompany achievement (the, “Ha! I did it! In your face!” attitude). Again, I’m not saying we have to jot down and account for all well-meaning detractors. We simply have to remember that just because we may want something does not mean everyone will agree. That’s all. And if we can get by that hurdle, we are free to accomplish our dreams in a spirit of reverie, not revenge.