A competition within ourselves...

Although I don’t actively seek out competitions, I will say that I’ve been known to be competitive by nature (it simply runs in my family).  This side of me lies dormant until challenged.  When a goal is set before me, whether it be physical, personal or career oriented, my power button lights up and it’s “Game on.”  However, just because I’m able to accept and conquer most challenges, it does not mean I enjoy doing it.   Some people are driven by their need to compete and win; they find it thrilling and fulfilling.  I’ll compare my feelings toward competition with my experience in sales.  I can sell, but I could live without the pressure of closing.  Knowing this about myself, I still dove head first into the Mrs. Maine Competition. 

When I decided to go for it, I made up my mind that no matter what the outcome may be, I’ll remind myself that I entered to seek new purpose, gain new experiences, meet new people, and most of all to HAVE FUN!!  I’m finding that I have to remind myself of this quite often.  The reason being, that no matter how much fun I’m having along the way, this is still indeed a competition and to actually win it takes work!  Do I think I can strut my stuff in an evening gown when the time comes?  Sure!  Actually, I can’t wait!  A Swimsuit??  I’m a  little less confident about that part, but…sure.  Am I well spoken enough to be interviewed???  Definitely.  Well..hopefully, LOL.  Now imagine if that’s all it took to win the crown!  Well for those who believed it was, prepare to be enlightened…in a good way!

                So who is Mrs. Maine?  In my opinion, yes it’s true, she is beautiful.  However, beauty emanates from within.  She is confident and poised, yet humble and approachable.  She is willing and able to fight for causes in need, and to speak out for those in search of a voice.  She’s out there making a difference in her community in some way every day.   She is happy and fulfilled in her marriage, and a rock for her family to lean on.  Overall, she represents the well rounded, accomplished, and proud Maine woman.  Now, is that me?  Am I all of those things?  I believe I am.  The problem is, I’ve also met the other girls, and I’m starting to get to know them pretty well actually, and guess what?  So are they….and then some!!!  Which leads me back to the beginning of this entry.  How can I possibly begin to compete with these women when they are all so remarkable?  When they all desire and deserve the crown as much as me?  The answer is, I can’t.   

                And luckily, I don’t have to.  For there was one piece of advice given at our first workshop,  which will stay with me throughout this entire competition.   It echoes through my brain whenever I start to feel nervous, anxious, and worst of all,  inadequate or unfit for this role.  This person said, “Look around at the women sitting next to you.  They will become lifelong friends, and you will share some of your most memorable experiences with them.  DO NOT view this as a competition between each other.  View this as a competition within yourselves.”  For me, these words hit hard, and I needed that.