Oh how true this statement is.
My thoughts have centered around this quote ever since I saw it, and I've thought about the many, many times I have let myself spiral into a depression and loss of self just by comparing myself to others.
Comparing myself as a designer, a friend, a mother, etc. There are times I wish Pinterest & Blogs didn't exist. As if it wasn't hard enough to compare ourselves to people we see everyday, now we have an entire online world showing us what we could do, what we could be. If only we had enough time, money, talent, patience, etc.
When I was in my mid twenties, I really thought I had "found" myself. I was happy with who I was. I knew what I liked and was confident in my thoughts and abilities. It's hard to pinpoint when I started to doubt myself and my likes, but over the years I've found myself adapting to things just because it's easier and frankly, it's what I thought people wanted. When did it become easier to conform?
I remember when I first started blogging. I'd put whatever I wanted on my blog because it was what I liked. I'd post videos of things I liked, regardless of whether they were design related or what not. And I loved blogging. It was fun! Somewhere along the line, I started blogging and posting ideas because I had to. It wasn't "Oh hey, I decided to make this so I think I'll share it" anymore. It was "What can I think of next to keep people interested?" I lost the "me" in my blog. Sad, right?
To be honest, there are times I don't even want to blog or look at blogs, quite frankly. I can only speak for myself, but most of the time I read a blog and I end up feeling bad about myself. Of course people aren't going to air their dirty laundry on their blog, but at the same time, do you ever look at a blog and feel like saying, "OH COME ON! You're life isn't all pretty pictures & posing!"
I think what it comes down to is finding myself again. Trusting my ideas & seeking inspiration in places other than the web. Realizing that everyone is unique. It's okay to like the same things, but it's also okay to be different. It's awesome being me.
Because really, the joy that comes in realizing that is a totally freeing, uplifting feeling that comparison can't take away.
3 comments:
I totally agree 100%! Every person is guilty. It is hard to NOT compare yourself or your life. Good post lady!
I like this post, and it's something I've been thinking about too in regards to my blog and the blogs I follow. I go to various 'fashion' blogs, well used to. Lately, I'm just over them (even though I have one. but it's shared with my sister and it's really intended for us to keep in touch). There are just too many other things to do than to look at girls posing and taking pictures of themselves.
Haha! I air my "dirty laundry" on my blog...that's probably why I don't have half as many followers as you;) And, for the record, your blog is one of those blogs that can cause a woman to be down on herself. You are amazing. Everything from your writing style to your mothering style to your designs. I equally admire and envy you. But, I love that quote and I have to say that since I left Facebook and Pinterest and took Instagram off my phone, I have been more self assured and less focused on everything around me. I am definitely think the world would be a better place without those sights.
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