Source: imgfave.com via linda on Pinterest
Between the many, (many) blogs that I read, magazines that I purchase, Pinterest, Houzz, and all the various other sources of inspiration out there, it’s easy to sometimes feel that my home, my crafts, my DIY’s just don’t measure up. They’ll always be someone more talented, a home better put together, a recipe tastier, or a craft better crafted.
Talking to friends about this very issue, comparison-itis is real, and sadly, very common. The thing is, though, comparing yourselves to others can leave you feeling discontent and discouraged. There’s a great quote out there about how when we compare, we are comparing our “behind the scenes” with someone else’s “highlight reel.” Blogs, Pinterest, magazines…all are there to show you the beautiful, finished, shiny product, not the false starts, mishaps and tears along the way.
I started this post intending to write about some easy, fast decorating ideas (which I’ll share later in the week), but quickly felt led to change the direction up a bit (or rather, a lot). The thing is, God didn’t intend for us to compare ourselves with one another. Psalm 139 states that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We were each given gifts, gifts that, like pieces of a puzzle, are meant to complement, enhance, and add up to create something meaningful and beautiful. He created us all to serve with the specific qualities he gifted to us, not to compare ourselves with those around us.
So, let’s take a few minutes today to be thankful for the unique gifts and talents we’ve each been given, and, if you’d like, leave a comment letting us know how YOU deal with the insecurity that comes from comparison. I’d love for us to learn from each other!
Your post was exactly what I wanted and needed to hear. A dear friend of mine told me this quote last week and it speaks volumes to me, as I am so prone to compare myself to others. Thank you so much for your beautiful and wise words, they spoke directly to me and are an encouragement.
So glad, Jamie! I think as women, with all the many, many resources out there on how to do “It” better (whatever “it” may be), it’s an easy trap to fall into. It’s good to remember that when we compare, we are comparing other people’s outsides (what they want to show to the world) with our messy, real insides. So not fair to us:) Have a lovely day! xo
Thanks for the encouraging words:) I do this sometimes, but try not to get carried away. I post thing son my blog just the way I finished them and dont really ever tend to NOT post something because it didnt come out the way I’d like it to. My latest post is in example. Haha:)
http://www.rockpaperscissorscreate.blogspot.com
Love the post, Shannon! It’s helpful sometimes to see the “real” thing and not have the imperfections not mentioned, photoshopped out, glossed over. It’s real life! Thanks for commenting. xo
I fall victim to this so often and your post was just what I needed today. Thinking about this is something that drives me crazy and leaves me feeling so frustrated. Thank-you for following this direction and leaving such a wonderful message.
So thankful, too, that I was led to write this post…and, you’re right, frustration is definitely a symptom of comparison-itis. Looking at the traffic that this post has received already this morning, though, you (and I) are not alone! Have a beautiful day! xo
Linda, its like you are reading my mind. I’ve had to do some soul searching lately to understand why I am so discontent with myself, and why others seem to get it all done and still look fabulous and just BE fabulous all the time, yet I am always holding it together by a thread! (That’s funny considering I sew! LOL) But, what I’ve realized is that I need to start doing what is best for me, and not doing things that will only distract from my goals – which is to be less stressed and more happy!
YES! It’s so important to know what you want in the end…anything that will lead you towards those goals stays in your life, anything else goes. Love the holding it together by a thread analogy…maybe I should say I’m holding it together by a bead of hot glue? ha ha:) love you, friend!
I try to have the mind set of using all these wonderful resources as Inspiration and learning tools and not as a measuring stick! So thankful people are will to share ideas and tutorials.
Very good point! Love that way of looking at it all. Thank you! xo
Wise words! Thank you so much for sharing them. I come from a family that tends to think c4eativity is a waste of time unless you are truly gifted. As an artist and writer who creates for her own pleasure and has never even attempted to sell anything I just have to plug my ears to such attitudes.
oh darn-a typo! How “imperfect”.
Shawna-so proud of your attitude and your commitment to your art. I think I gain just as much pleasure from what I do whether I sell 1 or 100 things in a month. Whether you sell or not means so, so little as far as enjoyment and fulfillment goes. Love your outlook! xo
Beautifully articulated and well written.
Here’s a quote that might be helpful.
“Others judge us by what we do. We judge ourselves by what we did not do.”
Just a little something to keep in mind.
Love the quote! Thank you, Aunt Anita! xo
Ah, I needed this. Guilty as charged. I recently joined a group of artists in my area. They are all delightful people, but I can’t get past feeling inferior because I’m not as talented, I don’t exhibit as much, I don’t sell as much, etc. etc. etc.
Thanks for commenting, Felicia. As ironic as it sounds, I’m sure the other artists in the group also are feeling inferior for one reason or another. There’s always something someone can do better…it’s hard to focus instead on what we can do well! You have been given some amazing talents! Have a lovely day. xo
I sent this to my friends as this is something we always talk about…and I am particularly guilty of it. If there is something to compare myself to someone else about, I’ll do it… cleaner house, better blog, thinner, more “together,” etc… I do it ALL! This is a great post and something all people (especially women) need to remind themselves of. Also, I love your blog
Thanks, Sweetie! Glad the post spoke to you….it’s always a nice reminder. I’m sure I’ll be rereading it myself every once in a while;) Have a great day! xo