My daughter called out, “ ‘kay! We’re going this way!” She pointed to the street we normally walk in on.
I nodded and pointed to the street to my left as I yelled back, “We’ll take that one.”
Behind me, my older daughter said, “We’re going that way, too, Mommy,” And, she pointed towards the same direction my other daughter was headed. Just then, my younger daughter and her older cousin took off running.
My son urged me along, “Mama, we have to run, too. They’re gonna win.”
I smiled and shook my head. “Nah, Ade. We don’t have to run. Let’s just walk quickly. They won’t be able to run the entire way.”
“But… we’re going to lose,” he said.
“Yeah. We probably will.”
“Then why did you make the bet if you knew you wouldn’t win?”
“Because,” I answered. “Sometimes, it’s not about winning.”
I didn’t bother elaborating my response to my son, because I didn't think he needed any more of an explanation at the time. Sometimes, less is more, especially when trying to explain things to kids. But, I did make that “bet” of who could get there first, for several reasons, and, without any intention of trying to win.
We walked back to the house, and sure enough, the four other kids beat us there. They got the thrill of trying and winning, and my son and I got some one-on-one time in the form of a quick stroll back to the house along a new route through the neighborhood. (And, some interesting dialogue about all of the cars that were parked on the street along the way...)
Sometimes, you need to make the bet, or take the risk, just to add some fun to your life. Infusing a challenge into everyday tasks can add a bit of adventure. I honestly didn’t know if the route my son and I would take would be faster or not. If it was, then great, my son would have the benefit of discovering a “short cut” to the park. If it took longer, then the girls got the joy of winning, and the adrenaline rush of hurrying to get there. Either way, my son and I would get some together time amidst the cluster of girls crowding the house and some fun would be had by all.
Why do people play the lottery? Why do people place bets on horse races or other events? It’s the the thrill of the “what if...” the possibility of the win.
Sometimes, we need to make the bet or take the risk to push ourselves or those around us. That challenge might perhaps give them an added incentive to do something different, or put forth a greater effort than normal. Whether it’s a work project, a sales competition, a physical challenge, a race, a homework project… placing a bet can add a much-needed infusion of positive energy, even if you know you’ll probably lose. When I accept challenges to race with people, I know I will most likely lose. But, I will finish the race, and I know will finish it stronger than I ever have before.
So yeah, it’s good to place some bets, and take a chance on the “what if”… because you never know what possibilities are out there, and sometimes, the possibilities and the outcomes may surprise you. Even if you don’t “win,” you may stumble onto a short cut, you may become stronger or braver, and you may just discover something or someone new and wonderful.
You may not win when you place the bet, but that doesn’t mean you won't come out ahead.