The contest metaphor for life is not a good one. Life is not a contest. When we look at life like a contest with winners and losers we disregard the amazing diversity we present as people. Of course a little healthy competition now and then can bring out the best in us, but living a life of comparison, in general, tends to defeat us and create too much conflict. What metaphors serve us better as we consider life?
Life is a garden
As a gardener, I love this metaphor. Gardens represent all kinds of growth at the same time as well as all kinds of challenge, great and small. The constant activity and change in a garden accurately mimics life as does the beauty display, patience required, and unexpected events endured.
I'll think more on this idea in time and add.
