" We are not born the same day
We don't tread the same lane
We are not raise the same way
So we are different!
Why compete to be better?
Better who?"
I voiced out angrily even though I knew I had no audience.
Today was neither good nor worse. I fought a war all through - my mind the battlefield. As I round up the day work which seems like eternity because I felt so unstable ; I know I need a long walk to clear my head.
Plucking- in my earpiece to disconnect myself from the world, I set out soberly. Until I noticed a lady walking swiftly ahead of me. I walk like air- at least people tell me that. But this lady walk so fast and so graceful that I decided to try catch up with her or maybe walk pass her. "I am better" I giggled out.
I carry my long thin leg as fast as a mortal body could, I increase my pace so much I started gaining on her a little bit. After awhile, I was just behind her, feeling satisfied. when I walk gracefully pass her ,I smile to the open air - I couldn't hide the excitement.
But After awhile, I could hardly hear her footstep so I decide to turn round. My new competitor had stop walking , I noticed she was carrying a bag, in which she rolled gently ,dive in to the bush. She turns around and walk down the opposite route.
Now, the curve on my lips seems visible but not for excitement anymore. The whole walk was pathetic. Not only did I exert myself physically , I increase my mental stress which was the main purpose of the walk. Looking up, I saw another dame, just ahead of me walking not only faster but more graceful .
A boring story right? But Isn’t that what happens in life when we focus more on competing with co-workers, neighbours, friends, extended family, relatives, trying to outdo them or showing off and trying to prove that we are more better(in all ways). " I am more intelligent " "I am more handsome" " I am more skilful / talented" " I am more decent" "I more tush". More and more we grow and we just want to be BETTER !
Competition is a common word , literally it means a social process where people try their best to do something better than others so they can win.
The truth is most of us have started competing with sibling/ friend for parental love and approval even before we come across the word competition. Psychologist have also argue that competiveness is an innate trait. Sometimes it can be positive or negative ; that will be discuss in subsequent article but..
... I am sure the key to a peaceful and satisfied life which many soul groan for is realising, life is a long journey with so many path, though our journey/ purpose differs we will cross path with people at different stages of the journey some as friends, lovers, colleagues,boss, neighbour and antagonist but then We shouldn't miss the way while we are so focus on trying to out-shine them. If we do, our individual lives loose it meaning . No wonder some people live a frustrated life all through. No matter how much they try, acquire, they never get satisfied. Somebody is just way up ahead and nothing seems to change for good after all the achievement. There is always a new competition/ competitor. Its a pity They keep running- chasing after the wind not the medals
Give your life meaning, Discover your purpose, define who you are, be yourself; I mean be real to yourself! Be sure where you are heading to- I mean your desire future! Know what you want, value and need then Go for it! Always be the best you can be!
I will end this pieces with the prologue.
"If We are not born the same day "
"If We don't tread the same lane"
"If We are not raise the same way"
"If we are so different!
Why compete to be better?
Better who?"
Answer: better you!
Ayokunle Maraiyesa ( Marayo Art)