I had a good friend challenge my competitive spirit the other morning. Having always
viewed it as a motivating factor in my life it was an intriguing idea that perhaps
being competitive has actually made my life more difficult. I recall teasing
banter with my hubby, Bill...when he would tell me I couldn't have it all. My
answer would always be of course, "why not"?
We all move so quickly through our lives these days. Communication comes
from all directions and at lightening speed. I wonder many days what I'm really
missing trying to keep up with texts, emails, cable news and my cell phone's
continuous beeps alerting me to calls, voice mails and calendar additions...do
I really want all this? Do I really need all this?
Whether walking, driving, sitting in my office or at home..unless I turn the sound
off, the bombardment is constant. Honestly I wonder, does it keep
me from what not too long ago, was important...talking with my adult children,
my friends, listening to music, hearing the songs of birds outdoors, the sound
of a refreshing rain on my roof or relaxing in a hammock in the back yard
as my pets lay quietly nearby. Are my heart and senses being deprived
in order for my mind to stay plugged in seemingly 24/7?
I have little doubt I missed out on some social media posts, get togethers downtown
and news flashes before I became so busy having it all. I would grumble about how
I wanted to have something or be somewhere, when I found out after the fact
...now it seems I'm constantly making decisions between
people and activities who are all important to me....many times not being
happy with the choices I feel forced to make.
Am I really happier trying to be the best I can be all the time or being
where I feel I have to be? Perhaps being preoccupied with enjoying the
day as it is...the "now", with the sound on my phone turned off might be
really wining it all. Competitive, my friend,
yes...but that as long as it encourages me to question...it's all good!
Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/61944
