No Competition - Clarity Revealed

I remember being out of town with friends, in our hotel room trying to figure out our evening attire for a night out clubbing.  I was having trouble deciding between a couple of outfits when my best friend stated begrudgingly, “oh just put something on, you can’t compete with these little young girls running around here."

I laughed it off at that moment, but her statement has stuck with me.  Even though I know it was coming from a place of projection, I feel like that statement kind of cemented the fact that my best friend really did not know me.

I have never been of the mind frame that another person was my competition.  I don’t view people from that vantage point because there is no need to compete with anyone outside of activities that are set up for the purposes of competing.

There is a lane for everyone’s talents, ideas, gifts – and I know there is a lane for mine.  I am putting in the effort and discipline everyday to make way for my gifts.  And I know that this effort will pay off.

What I want to do in the meantime is learn as much as I can from people, not envy or wish I had what someone else has or had.  I want to surround myself with others who are on the same path to clarity as I am. Those who are confident in their behavior, speech, and how they move through life.  

What has become clear to me over my life is that the only person I want to compete with is the version of myself that I want to make better.  The version of me from yesterday.  She doesn't have it all figured out yet. 

But she is the only competition I see.