Journey Forward {10}

As I sit and think about what holds me back from reaching my true potential, there is one thing that almost automatically comes to mind. Comparing myself to others. Whether strangers, acquaintances, or friends I've known for years, it's difficult to always shut out what other people have or do.

Sure, there's the occasional time where I see something on Facebook {the one time a month when I login} and I'm like, "What the heck? They just bought an Audi?!" And my immediate thought is, 'what do they do for a living?' In reality, I would personally never want to spend that much money on a brand new car. I've seen how people park next to you and how people drive. That thing would be dented up in a matter of weeks. But even more importantly, I would rather put that money into something more valuable in my life - such as travel. Luckily, I've never been one to do much spending. I'd rather hold out for what's really important to me.

Entering the blog world less than a year ago has certainly had an effect on me comparing myself to others. If you read blogs regularly, although you probably don't know the person in real life, after a while you grow to "know" them through reading and perhaps communicating via email/Twitter, etc. Well, I would see pictures of people's homes, and I would start longing for a home of my own. I'd see these beautiful skirts people were sewing and wished I knew how to do that too.

That's when I start to compare. The truth is, those things don't match up and they never will. It's not fair to myself to compare my life to the lives of others.

[via]

At the end of the day, I know in my heart that God/The Universe wrote my story differently. In the moments where I compare myself, I'm surrounded by doubt and uncertainty. But, in the moments where I can say, "It's okay. This is my story and I trust that it's being written this way for a reason," I find peace and hope. We each have our own strengths and I know it's more important to focus on the talents I was given rather than what I don't have.

And for those of you who DO write about your love stories or your latest projects around the house, don't stop. I enjoy reading those blogs. They keep me inspired and hopeful and the good part is, you're writing your story and that's all that matters! :) We can learn from others and their experiences, but comparing can be harmful. There's a difference between being inspired to learn how to sew and getting upset because you don't know how.

[via]

I think the most dangerous part of comparing is that it can mess with the deepest desires of your heart. Our focus can easily be shifted away from what truly matters most to us. Just because someone else has something or does something, does not mean you have to do or have the same thing. It's a lesson I'm sure we were taught when we were younger but it's something I can most definitely still apply to life today. As I strive to become, I want to get in touch with the things I truly need. In order to do that, I must not compare :)

Here's to becoming what I'm meant to become. Here's to having the things that have been placed in my life - the events, the people, the opportunities, the disappointments, the talents.

What things set you back in accomplishing what you want to accomplish?



--
Next week for Journey Forward:

Write several positive affirmations for yourself and your journey. Take this week's post into consideration when writing them. Lift yourself. Think happy and good thoughts that will fill you with positivity. And most importantly, believe them.

Also, today is the final day to enter the $50 Shabby Apple gift card giveaway! Enter here!