On winning and losing
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 4:46PM | Becks Davis 
As most of you know, I entered a contest to become the Good Mood Blogger. I didn’t win. And, before the pity parties begin and you start sending me mentions and DM’s on Twitter saying how sorry you are or how the company screwed up, don’t.
This ‘winning a blogging job’ was a crapshoot; it was like winning the lottery. Who expects to win the lottery? Not me. If I told you that I bought lotto tickets for the Mega Millions or Powerball and I didn’t win, would you tell me that you're sorry? Doubtful.
I’m not being stoic. I’m just doing what I do, you try some things and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. And then you move on and try something different. Most importantly, you try again.
Much of what I do on Detroit Moxie isn’t seen; it’s not in the blog posts or in the public timeline. Emails, private messages, and DM’s are where much of the underbelly work of Detroit Moxie happens.
Last night, my friend Mark sent me an email from Japan. Yes, through the power of this blog and Twitter I have become friends with someone who lives in Japan and I cherish that. He was featured in a blog post not long ago.
Anyway, I received the email from him with a few other people carbon copied on it but with no specific requests. What I gathered was that someone from Japan was going to be in Detroit and was looking for ideas on what to do while here. I gave a few suggestions and asked for further information so I could be of more assistance.
Then I got this message that Mark had sent back to his friend:
Becks here, is the best guide ever to the Motor City. I wish I would have known her when I was living there. You are lucky.
Yeah. Good stuff. Heart-soaring stuff. This is why I do what I do. Those words put everything in perspective.
Mark, for the record, I’m the lucky one.
I didn’t win a blogging job; I have a blogging job. It may not pay cash money but it pays dividends to my soul.
Thank you all for your support throughout this contest. You guys are amazing! I do what I do because I love Detroit. This blog has brought me many opportunities and I’ve met some pretty fantastic people.
Now I’m off to go buy a lottery ticket.
Reader Comments (14)
I love this, Becks. And yes, that company was either dumb or did you a great favor in giving you room to really do what you're designed to do. As always, you know I am in your corner and will continue to sing your praise, which I'm sure the rest of our community will do. Now keep being great, so we can have another awesome party in your honor soon!
See, this right here . . . this is why we respect, root for and rally 'round the Beckster -- putting us in fine, global company, evidently.
We readers also know 'bout heart-soaring stuff, Ms. Davis. This is why we read what you do.
That and quaint reminders that the phrase carbon copies lives in the 21st Century -- though I know you never rolled carbon paper into a newsroom typewriter between two sheets of copy paper. (Don't ask; won't tell if I did.)
Becks,
I looked up the words "grace", "optimism" and "heart". Your picture was next to all of those words.
Thank you for all you do!
Look at the thousands of votes you got. That is huge.
Thanks Hubert,
It's a great feeling to know that you're in my corner!
Alan,
Your comments always make me smile. I'm honored that you're a loyal reader.
Katie,
Aw, that's very sweet.
Toka,
I know, right? Over 700 people entered and I made it to the finals. I adore my readers, friends, family and network.
You know Becks. I just plain look forward to the stuff you write. I'm a simple man. I don't like my life to be complicated, so your timely Detroit Moxie Blog helps uncomplicate my life. Keep up the good work my friend. Good luck with the lottery!
Becks, while I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get this, I think you have an awesome and admirable attitude.
I count myself blessed to know you and have have you as a Friend. And, as far as I'm concerned, you're Detroit's Good Mood blogger. :)
Keep spreading the word.
Becks,
Long ago I started the pruning process in my RSS reader, my Facebook friends, etc. I tried to streamline my online life just a bit to make sure I could "manage" it properly. And you know what? Detroit Moxie is a must-read in my Google Reader. Thank you for representing our beautiful city so well.
-mojo
This is one of the many reasons why you rock - you have a stellar attitude. I do think you deserved to win that contest and get the job, but it was a valiant effort.
Keep doing what you're doing and know you have a support system that has your back. ;)
Becks, you will always be a winner in my book. The realism you show here and in person is nothing but awesome. I feel blessed to have gotten to know you this year and look forward to what 2011 has to offer!
Keep on keeping it real, Becks!
Your perspective on this whole experience is inspiring - keeping your eyes on what you have, and not on what you lost. Though you didn't lose anything. Also inspiring was the rise of the Detroit community who answered your requests for votes and support. Feeding the soul with what you love to do is something few dare to experience. You are doing it. Bravo!
Becks,
So well put and such an awesome perspective you have! As you already know, I'm a huge fan of you and your blog and what you're doing for the city... and it is posts like this that keep people coming back!
I only hope sooner, rather than later we can finally meet. Until then keep it up Becks!
Becks,
Sometimes we go through life & have no clue how we have positively influence those around us. I for one just do what I do, day in and day out oblivious to this and then, I get real feedback from someone who is the real deal.
You made my day too Becks. Thank You.
Mark
Thank you all for your kind words. You have no idea how much it means to me. :D