The Seth Godin quote is past its prime. It speaks to the excesses of capitalism that would seem to require a ‘loser.’ Here’s my simple idea: everyone has a story, and hearing another’s voice will change who you think you are.

I wrote a book about what happened when my husband lost his memory of his life, and thus, his entire history and sense of self. What is left when identity disappears is our essence. Our bodies know that we are fluid and mutable. We contain multitudes, as the great Walt said.

In the process of caring for my man, I learned that I can embrace being a loser, baby. And in my experience, the ‘why don’t you kill me?’ Beck-sung irony becomes inspiration. When we kill the idea that we are fixed narratives, we diminish those limited conceptions that have ruled us for centuries. In doing so, our greatness comes not from comparison (which is based on another’s idea of success,) but from our own capacity for empathy, listening, being curious. Maybe a loser is really someone whose intelligence hasn’t been heard?

Yes to “do your work.” Yes to wondering what we’re made of. Thanks for your writing.