Have you ever compared yourself to someone and thought, "man, why can't I do that" or "their life is so perfect."? I used to. All the time. Until I realized that there IS no comparison.
When I first started blogging I was so intimidated because everyone - and I mean everyone - seemed to have so much more to say, and they all said it so eloquently and it seemed with such ease. I imagined that everybody else just sat at the keyboard and their fingers just flew, as ideas whirled around in their minds. Me, on the other hand - I get up every morning, scratch my head, and realize I have nothing to write about. So, I sometimes say a little prayer that something would come to my mind. Don't get me wrong . . . my posts are not necessarily answers to my prayers! But I think I have learned not to compare myself with other bloggers. We are all so different and I think it shows in our posts. And that's what makes reading your blogs so much fun for me! We all have something different to offer, or at least offering the same thing in a different way.
For instance, if you want to want to travel the world, or at least to NYC or Belgium, check out the beautiful photos in Through My Eyes and This is Belgium. These blogs will take you away to another place (unless, of course, you live in NYC or Belgium). Or read Mark's Work. He'll take you to another world, too, although you may not understand some of his words! Which, by the way, is a good way to broaden your vocabulary! Read what Jewels has to say at Frazzled and Frumpy. She will crack you up! We seem to live parallel lives. So many more . . . just check out my "I Love These" over there on the right . . . and you will find a gold mine of wonderful people who share their lives through their blogs. No two alike. Promise.
And that's the point, I guess. We are all different. We all have something to offer. No comparisons allowed!
Random thoughts of a girl who used to try to fit in the box. Then I realized that boxes are stupid. Except this box, the one above. It's really pretty.
Do you have the new January Ensign? Read the article "Look Up". It fits your post.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I only started blogging a few months ago and instantly found people I love to read, but then immediately went through the whole self-conscious dance. I struggle to maintain my own voice because I read so many wonderful things and think: "I wanna write like that!"
ReplyDeleteOhh yess!!I love the aspect of different people sharing little tidbits of themselves through blogging!
ReplyDeleteMr. Matlock, he of the expressive eyebrows, and my first principal at the middle school, once criticized me after an observation, for using words which were too sophisticated. He said I had to be careful I didn't "lose" them. I asked Mr. M how the kids were supposed to broaden their vocabulary if they couldn't read it, and didn't hear it. I used the same words repetitively.
ReplyDeleteWhen my fifth grade-aged son was brought before Mr. M for engaging in confrontational behavior with another student, Casey declared, "Mr. M, Jamie behaved inappropriately by viciously attacking me; I was merely defending myself. "
Or better still, one of my eighth grade anarchists once asked me [when Mr. M. was in the class] "Mr O, was my behavior unacceptably inappropriate, or inappropriately unacceptable?" I was laughing too hard to answer the question. So was Mr. M.
That is hilarious, Mark! I love having to look words up when I read your posts . . .I should start making a list of new words I learn from you :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Judy, your words are so true. In the world of blogs as well as the bigger world of people, we are all different and we all have something to offer. I know the older I get the less likely I am to compare myself in any way to other people. I have, for the most part, come to appreciate who and what I am, I am always willing to improve, for sure, but there are some things that will not change (like I will never be as word smart as Mark or Thom or as music smart as Laura or Matthew or as people smart as Noel or Eric or as saavy as Kev or as recognizably successful as Brian) but I am take what I am and live with it. Oh, and NEVER, never look in the mirror!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up with sisters, we compared daily. Looks, grades, boys.....the list is endless. It was a relief to move out of the house and stop living together. Almost immediately, we became friends. It has been a gift I didn't expect, and that I treasure. And I have tried to never compare myself to anyone again. Harder said, but I try. One of my favorite movie lines ever is when Shrek is asked what kind of knight is he, and he says, "One of a kind." I'm striving to be one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteI recently recovered from a semi-paralyzing case of the comparison ailment. Now, like you, I'm just embracing all the differences and taking pleasure and inspiration from what everyone else puts out there. It's been fantastic. I look forward to checking out the two blogs I didn't recognize in this post.
ReplyDeleteHey Judy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a tremendous surprise !! I think it is soo incredibly cool that you mention "This is Belgium". I am totally honored and very grateful also.
I feel like surprising you now !
:-)
anni
This seems to be the struggle of the day...since I haven't been posting very long, or my group is able to post more than I have, or someone describes something so much more eloquently than I do...these are such reasons to close the computer and silence my voice. But I love words, I love expressing myself, and I find I may be so intimidated by the bloggers around me (you included) that I have to examine the reasons I blog -- even though I am not consistent. My conclusion is I blog for myself. I define myself by the reflections of my observations, what I have learned, yearned for and earned in words. The honor of someone else's comments on my blog many times can reflect back to me and validate my point of view or bring me up short for being a ninny. You consistently make me smile and help me recall much from our childhood. I know and like you so much more than when we were 12 and trying to figure out what it was all about.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for almost 4 years and I often suffer from comparisonitis. It's so easy to do. But, finding so many new blogger friends has actually helped me get past that. (Thanks for the mention- you're awesome!)
ReplyDeleteI, too, really like this post and find it very timely. When not comparing and contrasting, I am much, much happier. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDelete