Sunday 9 December 2007

Sunday Scribblings # 88 Competition

A game of Trivial Pursuit or Canasta is the best and only competition for me now!

Isn’t competition supposed to mean to strive, to achieve, to seek rivalry - don’t you think people have got that out of perspective? Isn’t competition difference, shouldn’t healthy competition go hand in hand with mutual respect?

Nothing irks me to the core, more, than when a story is being told and you can hear the so called listener, drawing breath, busting at the seams, revving up, ready to one up your story and blurt out, what they consider a similar or better story to the one you’re telling … communication isn’t a competition … don’t you want to scream “IT’S NOT A COMPETITION!!”

Like when you’re expecting a comment, relevant to what you’ve said or written and you receive a diatribe that’s only relevant to the other person! The people who dismiss your thoughts or contribution as they make it all about them as if your opinion is only a stepping stone to bore you with what’s going on in their own head … that’s infuriating, detestable competition.

Entering a competition, feeling sure that your entry is the winning one – no-one ever tells you not to lose heart if you don’t win. No one tells you competition is about difference. The opinion of the person judging or marking more than likely will never be the same as your’s … do these people ever realise how they frequently hurt people, deeply, because of their “qualified” judgement …

Best competitions are surely the competition of two sporting teams, especially if it’s 'your' team, the one you adore ... the exhilaration if your team wins …

The competition of your kids and grandkids vying for your attention is superb…

Of your dogs running towards you with their tails wagging off their backsides is the best or fluffy cats purring and pushing each other out of the way to get to your ankles is adorable competition ...


... but the very best of all is when you're feeling good inside after you've accomplished, beaten the odds, when the only person you had to compete against was the most important person you know ...YOU!

Wikipedia says ~~~
Competition is the rivalry of two or more parties over something. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which coexist in an environment with limited resources. For example, animals compete over water supplies, food, and mates. In addition, humans compete for attention, wealth, prestige, and fame.

… who are those people who said competition is healthy … bah humbug???

11 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Very nice... mine's up, too... come visit! :-)

http://lorivillarreal.typepad.com/do_you_realize/

paisley said...

where as i have never considered myself the least bit competitive... when you lump it right in there with self-centerdness,,, i have to wonder!!!!! excellent grouping of thoughts....

Tumblewords: said...

Great reflective post! The examples are wonderfully concise!

Beau Brackish said...

Excellent points, passionately stated. People who turn everything around to be all about them just infuriate me. I can hardly stand around such folks. Save the competition for a cut throat game of Trivial Pursuit. Count me in!

Lucy said...

Let me tell you a story that REALLY gives a better example..... haha Only kidding... I hate to talk to those One uppers too!
You are so right... competing for our own happiness. that's a winner. nice take on the prompt! :)

Granny Smith said...

I'm almost afraid to comment. Hey, did I just start my comment with "I"? A very good post.

Anonymous said...

Wise words as always,...I loved the best of compeititions you mentioned, yes the team kind is real good fun. Thank you.

UL

Robin said...

Hear hear!

Rob Kistner said...

Whoa... right to the solar plexus! Please remind me never to pi__ you off... ;)

Anonymous said...

I totally agree.

Go Compete

Jo said...

I couldn't agree more. Empathy's great but sometimes it is very selfish. Great post......(and I hope you're a wee bit brighter this week, dearie!).

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