Being Oneself

"The greatest defense is being who you are."  Mark Nepo

Nepo makes the above comment in the context of competition in the world.  As he says, there is sometimes only one parking spot or only one job that one can see.  He says that to enter into competition is sometimes to put oneself up by putting another person down.  That may be the basis of gossip.  The need to put someone else down, in order to feel better about yourself.  So, the best defense is to be yourself.  That rings true.  The Universe surely supports us being ourselves.  That is how we add to the rich tapestry of life:  by adding our own colors and unique aspects.  The world would be a very dull place if we were all identical.  It is the richness of being ourselves -- and honoring and allowing others to be themselves  -- that makes the world a beautiful, varied, and interesting place.   Today, let us risk being ourselves.