If someone snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, they win when it seems that they are certain to lose. (Collins English Dictionary) The Yale Book of Quotations traces the phrase back to an instance in the New York Times dated March 5, 1891. Later a humorist wrote that if someone snatches defeat from the jaws of victory, they lose when it seems that they are certain to win.
On these final days of May, you will be surprised when you look back and review the months highlights, delights and the much more of what made you smile. After such an introspective month of self-discovery, largely due to the numerology this month of the double “5” push to outwardly change and the personal changes thanks to the “1”, it is a good time to assess and enjoy your new landscape. You might be thinking, I cannot think of anything that has changed in my life. But I am positive everyone on the planet internally has changed in at least one way and deserves to take a bow!
Commitment to rising above doubt and indecision was essential for the changes we experienced during May. In hindsight, resuming life in the US during the month of May will be looked at as turning point in recent history. Other parts of the world are resuming also. Living through the challenges of a pandemic certainly qualifies as “Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat!”
Taking a victory lap for a short while is important to solidly plant a flag in your new territory. However, as the month continues, themes and issues arising now are catalysts of what is left to let go of, dissolve, or reconstruct. How you meet these challenges will determine the shape of your life to come.
The most important issue to become aware of as we finish up the month focused on Self, is Self-Sabotage. Is there any part of your life where you have discovered you are stepping on your own toes stopping you from a projected or desired victory? When you are faced with the consequences of negative behavior, immediately release yourself from “Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory” and ask yourself the question, “If I could do this over again, what would I do differently?” If it is a big or longstanding issue take some time to evaluate before you answer, because your answer will be the most effective way to stop and prevent self-defeat.
When describing any story or event, making sure the words Victory and Defeat are in the order you want them is a goal. Devoting time to your life’s themes and issues is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself!
“Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become.” Heraclitus
Love to all,
Cindi
