The feeling of being second
Just as I was sipping my evening coffee, I decided to write my second blog watching through the window and music in the ears. The first thing that came to my mind was ‘ being second ‘.
I felt I had my topic for the day. ‘The feeling of being second ‘ has been a personal experience from my school days.
This incident happened during my sports day at school. I remember crying when I came second in a 200 meter race. My class teacher came to me and said
” Why are you crying, Chetan ? You came second, you have won a silver medal. Cheer up. Focus now on your 100 meter finals, give your best.”

I still don’t know why I cried that moment, but certainly, there was a feeling of I gave my best but then I lost. That pain was the best thing that happened to me. I felt it was my fuel to growth.
I immediately went to my good friend Prateek who was participating in a high jump event and he came second. He looked the happiest.
I asked him, ‘ Why are you so happy?’ He said it’s his first victory in his life and he is delighted.
My perspective completely changed. I joined his celebration as it got few points to our Red House.
Immediately, I remember my 100 meter race next so decided to stretch and focus on my game.
I could feel that pain of being second. I kept my focus on winning. So, I didn’t bother to hear any friends cheering, any sound except for the starters saying ” On your mark, get set, Go.”
I ran like there seemed nothing stopping, I could feel that rush in my blood and when I touched the finishing line first, I was filled with joy. I came first. My housemates were all cheering and I felt overwhelmed. I still have both the medals from that event.
Now, when I go back in time the silver medal for coming second has been very special. It pushed me to work harder and focus on winning. It makes us stronger and teaches a life lesson.
There is nothing right or wrong, it’s about one’s choice. Being second helps us learn a very strong emotion to accept and work hard the next time.
Let us learn to be stronger and take it in a positive spirit to do better the next time. Life is beautiful and second by second we tick one ahead. Never give up.