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We Are Not In Competition

You are valid.
Me being valid too
does not make you less so.

And even though it seems
That everyone should
Jump through the same hoops
It is not so because
Everyone’s path is different
While still valid.

You are strong and competent.
Me being strong and competent too
Does not make you less so.

Truth is infinite,
And there are many
Perspectives with a
Variety of unique gifts
All just as valid and strong.

I’m glad
What was right for you
Was right for you.
Can you be glad
About what is right for me
Regardless if it is
Coming from another
Place and heart and direction?

The world is big enough
For each and everyone to be free
To make their best contribution
Without gatekeepers cutting
Anyone short to preserve
Their own sense
Of what was necessary.

You have no idea of what hurdles
Another had to face on their own
Convoluted journey, whether it was one of
Strict conformity to defined expectations
Or that of a zig-zag free-form maverick–
We all struggle and rejoice.

Also, the people
You need to reach
And help and influence
Are not the same
As those that yearn for
What I have to offer.
The field is wide and requires
Of all types of laborers.

Let us support and uphold
Each other’s efforts
Garnering abundant fruition
Enough for everyone’s
Highest sense
Best inspiration
And most devoted work.

Please don’t make it harder
For anyone just because
They have their own approach.
Success is already
Sufficiently difficult
Without any obstacles
Thrown in to thwart.

Good is going on
Even if it looks
Unlike your version.
Don’t obstruct, pull down,
Or interfere with
Another’s peaceful,
Productive progress
Since when any of us go up
We all rise together.

by Polly Castor
5/5/18

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