In The Joy

"People are convinced that somehow if they win an award that they are validated for this existence - for reaching a certain status. What do awards do but make people compete in the most despicable ways to the point where they are not being voted for, they are being voted against.

While it's certainly nothing wrong with the idea of awards, the ego distorts the idea into a knock-down, drag-out competition. We tell ourselves, we deserve it, no one else was better than us. We have to feel the joy in creating the work and even more joy when other people enjoy our work. Joy is its own reward."

~Alexys Fairfield