Victim or victor? Those two words sound much alike, but they have drastically different meanings. And, in many cases, we can choose which one we want to be.
To be clear, there are victims in this world — those who have truly been subjected to cruel and inhumane situations beyond their control. Those folks deserve our compassion and help, as well as the legal and financial support to fight back and regain their strength. Then there are those who claim to be victims when their coffee is too hot. Big difference.
I have noticed, and maybe you have, too, that those who continually claim they are getting a raw deal at work are often the ones showing up late and leaving early. Those who complain about their grumpy neighbors don’t attempt to understand that their stray pets, or loud stereos or unkept yard may be part of the problem. Those with the seemingly endless negative stories about broken relationships with family and friends can’t see that maybe their attitudes had something to do with the fallouts in the first place. Victims? Hardly.
But what about the victors? Those who understand that few things of value in life are ever accomplished without putting in extra time and energy. Those who treat their neighbors, day in and day out, as they want to be treated and who choose to take care of God’s green Earth and make it a better place for all. And those who may find it difficult to forget but make amazing efforts to forgive. Victors? Yes.
We all know people who choose to be victims and people who choose to be victors. You likely have visions of a few people in your mind when reading this. But we also need to look in the mirror. Looking back on my life, I know I have chosen, at various times, to be both the victim and the victor. It is a daily — if not minute-by-minute — decision, and it’s not an easy one.
I knew and admired a wonderful man whose life was not a walk in the park, but he realized that his own decisions impacted his life as much or more than anyone else’s. He once told me that he had to make up his mind whether he was going to be angry and bitter the rest of his life, or if he was going to make the best of every day and truly enjoy the remaining time he had enjoying his family and friends. He chose the latter and, because of it, he was the most positive person I have ever known and a true victor.
So, we have a choice to make. Which one will you choose to be today? The victim? Or the victor?
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
