The Overjoyed Underdog

How can an underdog be overjoyed? If you think that the title of this article is nothing more than mere word play, then you're wrong.

Being an underdog - least likely to succeed; the one with the least advantage; the individual who seems to have too many odds stacked up against them - may seem like the worst position ever. And if you're in the worst position imaginable, how can you be overjoyed? Even the word "under" sometimes has negative connotations. It can denote a lack of power, status, mobility or visibility. We are "under the weather" when we don't feel well. We're "under the influence" when we surrender our physical and mental control to something or someone that is not good for us. Many of us keep items that we don't need very often under the bed, and may even forget about them until it's time to pack up and move! When you think about it, "under" just doesn't sound like a very empowering word, does it? Who wouldn't prefer to be "top notch", in the "Top 10", or a "Top Dog"?

There is another away to look at this however. Being an underdog is an enormous opportunity. When one rises to the mythical "top" (which is usually based upon public opinion and approval and as most of us know, these things are always subject to change), they suddenly find themself in the spotlight. There is greater expectation, more pressure, and less freedom to experiment and possibly fail. And while the person at the so-called "top" is feeling the heat, the underdog gets little attention in comparison. The irony in all of this is that some of the greatest things happen when people aren't paying attention! Time and circumstance are powerful equalizers, and the underdog of today can achieve great victory tomorrow.

An underdog can be overjoyed because they have the freedom to soar - while others aren't looking, waiting, expecting or pressuring. They can take whatever time they need, stumble, fall and get right back up, without it appearing on CNN Headline News or YouTube. They won't appear in a "What Ever Happened To..." write-up, because they have the future in front of them and are not living off of past accomplishments and success.

In reality, the word "under" also has positive connotations. We gain "understanding" as we learn from our mistakes and the wisdom of others. We dream under the moon and the stars and appreciate the beauty of life. Instead of looking down at others as seeing how far we've come, we can look up at God and imagine the possibilities.

If you are an underdog, be overjoyed! This means that you have much more good ahead of you. While it may sound like an arduous task, it really isn't. You have the freedom and flexibility to set your own pace, try new things, find your voice and become your best self. With faith, determination and perseverance, you can achieve victory!