This morning I woke to high winds moving our tent and a sprinkle of rain. Last night I promised myself that I would get up early for an exercise class.
A text message came through with a message from a friend as she prayed in the early hours of the morning and before my alarm rang I stepped out of the tent into the day.
Walking down to the beach, I faced my fear and said yes to myself as the rain eased. Two friends were going to meet me for the class but the rain and broken sleep became their enemy.
As I walked back into camp, one of my friends said to me “I’m so sorry” and I returned “Our friendship is totally obligation free”.
I’m wondering this January morning how many obligation free friendships you have in your life right now?
Community always trumps competition. Relationships filled with obligation and should’ve inevitably become fraught with competition.
As you scroll social media, is there any feeds you follow that bring out intimidation and fear?
In 2019, part of my manifesto is to continue to celebrate community over competition. There are moments as I wade through all the messages and information here online that I need to remind myself of this fact.
Community over competition.
The only person I will compete with, is myself.
When I feel obligation rise in my heart, I allow curiosity to show me why this emotion is surrounding me.
When I feel disappointment rise as I feel someone copying my work and years of contemplation stepped over, I remind myself there is room at the table and no one can steal your voice.
When I wonder if I am enough as I see someone’s brilliance shine forth, I remind myself that my story is different and I need to honour my own journey.
Today my exercise instructor repeatedly reminded us over and over, do not do anything that your body does not feel comfortable to do. Compete with yourself rather than the others in the class. Inch your way forward and honour your own journey.
This wisdom I think relays to every part of our lives.
Those who walk alongside you or strangers on the internet are not your competition. Community always trumps competition.
What are your thoughts on this subject?
Amanda
This is so good thankyou.
I have a habd full of friends I met thru an exercise class. Our friendship has always been unconditional and without rival. They have been such a blessing to me over the years.
Community not competition is the true way forward.
God bless