Today I want to throw some motivation your way as we start this week. If you've followed L&L for awhile, you know I've had my share of body image issues in the past. I haven't talked about them in awhile because for a long time they mostly disappeared and recently they've come clawing back in a way that leaves me unsure of how to discuss it. Body image is a very powerful topic that I will discuss with you awesome people at another time but for now if you wanna read up on what I've said in the past, go here.
Suffice to say that I've slipped back into a pattern of comparing myself to others. Oh, if I was just as toned as her. Oh, maybe if I tried going vegetarian I would have an easier time being healthier. Well, she can look that way, why can't I? Wow, they are doing amazing things with their lives, what I am doing?
There's a serious danger in that type of thinking. Not only does it create an imbalance between you and others, it seriously demeans what you are doing in your life. When I catch myself holding others lives up as a measuring stick to my own, I easily find faults and overlook strengths. We live our lives every day. When we are as involved in something as we are our own lives, it's the simplest thing to find discontent with it. To want something more, something better. There is nothing wrong with that.
Where the problem arises is when we motivate to become better or more through what others have rather than what is in our hearts and souls, what fuels our deepest desires. I have learned this lesson a thousand times and I will learn it a million more. We're comparative creatures by nature, but comparing our success, our lives, and our happiness to others and becoming unhappy because of it is a vicious cycle that needs to rearrange.
After all, when we measure ourselves against others, not only do we find fault in ourselves, we hold resentment for others. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be a person with a hateful heart. I want to rejoice in the success of others and know that my journey is different, but just as beautiful. If I can accomplish that, I know that I will find a happiness beyond measure and I also know that I'll have people cheering me on instead of holding resentment for me. Love begets love, people. Go out there and use that this week!
We all struggle with this and you are not alone. I always try to remind myself that people like Kim Kardashian have a team of experts working to make her look the way she does every day, yet you know she has "measuring stick" days too. xo-Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteI completely adore you, no joke. You are fantastic and thank you for this beautiful reminder!
ReplyDeleteI love this so much! <3 Its so hard to not compare ourselves to others, but when we finally stop and focus on ourselves, its amazing the things we can accomplish.
ReplyDeleteLove ya girl! xoxo
This is awesome, girl! Love it and a great reminder :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet and beautiful reminder. You are loved :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thanks for the reminder; this is something I have to keep in check at times. But it's better to look at where we personally are in life and where we what to be; and not base it off of where someone else is in life. It's not a competition.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, I needed this so much! I start classes again in about a month and with most of my friends at school already, it's so easy to compare my life to their success. That's when I become upset and even resentful, like you said. I'm going to look to the Lord and focus on what He wants me to do and the desire He has placed in my heart for these things. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower, compliments of the Glossy Blonde. I love your perspective and even if there are things that you would like to see differently, it's so important to keep a positive outlook moving forwards because you cannot change the past. All the best!
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