No need for competition

One of my favourite things to eat is dim sums. I love the uniqueness of each type, the variety of flavours and the little touches that marks the skills of the makers.

What they remind me of is that we are all uniquely different and there is no need for us to compete or seek to be someone else. Just as each dim sum is delicious and has its own appeal, we can see that each of us is a gift to this world and we are designed to be different from everyone else.

It is said that every snowflake is different even though we don’t see the differences with the naked eyes.

I love the quote by Herman Hesse which says, “It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is.”

This is such a powerful reminder to each of us and an encouragement to own who we are because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. On many levels, we live in a world where competition is a way of life.

We can’t avoid competition but there is such a thing as a healthy competition. Also we realise that to compete with someone else is not an attempt to become them in the process.

Everyone of us has unique talents, gifts and abilities that aren’t designed to perfectly mirror that of others. They are bespoke to us and intended to help us leave our own unique marks and footprint on this world.

We need to recognise that no one’s gifts or talents are secondary to anyone else’s. They are simply different and we are only responsible and accountable for how we use our own. Wanting someone else’s is a waste of time and disrespect for ours.

Growing up, I remember wishing I was better at some things like painting, drawing and singing but sadly none of those things were my strength. It took me years to realise that I had my own gifts and talents that I could hone to create my own niche.

In time, I learnt to discover my own strengths, skills, passions and talents and I began to focus on what I had rather than be envious of what others had.

When you become comfortable in your own skin, it becomes easier to enjoy and appreciate the talent and skills of another person. You become less focused on them, wishing you were them and instead you simply see their own contribution to this world to make it a richer place for all.

What is your contribution to this world? What is your unique offering, talent and gift? How are you deploying them for the good of humanity?

How do you celebrate who you are and what you have? Do you appreciate every gift and talent or do you see them as non-existent or inconsequential?

Every one of us matters and each talent and gift that we bring to the table also matters. It’s time to stop looking down on what we have and begin to build on them with every intention of being the best that we can be within the gifts that we have received.

As you start a new week, take a few moments and list the things you are good at. Then make a list of how and where you can do more of them. Finally make a decision to start doing more within your gifts.

Start appreciating others and when an envious thought comes up, be sure to remind yourself that you also are great in some areas so it’s all good. Stay on your own lane to run your own race. Don’t enter into another person’s race.

Thank you for reading my post and sharing it with others. Have a great week.