“A rising tide lifts all boats.” John F. Kennedy.

Investment in the economy benefits all those who participate in it. Therefore, everyone in that economy, theoretically, would encourage that investment.

However, a disturbing economic reality is that sometimes the more apt word picture is that of crabs in a bucket. When one begins to climb out, others grab on trying to save themselves and end up pulling down that first crab where they all fall to the bottom.

I have witnessed this in the publishing world where some would rather pull down another artist than encourage his or her success.

Recently, a newly-signed author decided to use social media to malign the careers of others, including authors signed by the same publishing house where she received her own book deal. Hers was promptly cancelled.

Contrary to the attitude behind this kind of attack, we are not in competition with each other. When one succeeds, we all do. We can and should celebrate the excitement of a contract signed, a book launch or an art show. These things don’t take away from our own journeys, they enhance them.