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I was born without a competitive bone in my body. It might be some genetic defect, but I've learned to live with it. I first noticed it, probably, in grade school. You know, when we had to run relays and whatnot for gym? Mind you, I had some wheels on me in those youthful days. Must have been from racing my dog into the woods. Or perhaps my speed developed from playing kick-the-can with the neighborhood kids, and being terrified of getting caught. I wonder if all the swimming in the lake contributed, too. Regardless, I was in decent shape.
But whenever it came to any sort of track event, typically, I was found in the way back. I always started out strong, somewhere in the mix of leaders. Then, I would check my six for stragglers and feign exhaustion. I would slide back gradually, until I matched strides with the last person. I just couldn't stand how defeated they looked, trying as hard as they could, huffing and puffing, on the verge of giving up. Alone. I would not have it. Not on my watch. Sometimes they didn't want me there, but most often, having someone run next to them seemed to help them cross the finish line with a smile and a high five.
That was my win.
Back then, we didn't get "Participation" ribbons or "Showed Up" trophies, so my bedroom walls were not adorned with glossy blue and red ribbons or shiny plastic trophies with my name engraved on a plate. And I never once, in all my childhood memories, felt bad or bitter or regretful for it. Rick Springfield and The Greatest American Hero, among other posters from TEEN and Bop! magazines were decoration enough. Cheering others on comes naturally to me.
My defunct competitive gene didn't really bother me.
It does, however, make peddling my wares and "selling myself" (ugh) as an author, rather, well, difficult. Not that I don't love my books and sharing my stories. Gosh, I could talk about my stories all my live-long days with anyone willing to listen. And for Frank and the Nokotas? I will speak on their behalf and be their cheerleader until they shut the lights off.
So to be competitive without being competitive, I focus on these three things with great hope that they will carry me as far as I can go.
1. Write a really good story. That's where my heart lies.
2. Work my tail off and be a little brave when promoting online and in person.
3. Finally, be a cheerleader for others. If I can help them feel good about their successes, that's still my win.
#forevercheerleader
What a wonderful read to go with my morning coffee. Thank you. Have the best day!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I plan on it. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post. Writing the stories is the best part of life. Reading them is the second best.
ReplyDelete