To be polite I could say that some of us have this bad habit. Likely most of us. However, I would bet, in truth, that all of us, at least at one point or another, are guilty of this. I'm referring to our tendency to 'live externally', to observe others' traits, actions and possessions, and to compare ourselves, to feel jealousy, envy, anger, sadness, resentment... As much as we do enjoy our own strengths and are grateful for what we do have, we still focus outward much of the time. Especially now, with much of our focus on social media, our perceived realities can be affected by constantly-changing content with the noise and speed of a freight train.
I came across a relevant quotation recently that really made me stop and think. "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel" (Steven Furtick). It's true and it's sad. It's like comparing apples to oranges and becoming distraught because they aren't equal. We act naive and gullible when we take in this 'theatrical show' on social media, leaving us susceptible to feeling 'less-than'. However, we aren't getting the whole show. We're missing the backstory, the true, overall theme, and all the struggles in-between the scenes of triumph and glory.
You've probably heard the phrase "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken". As cliché as it sounds, it is true. It's an impossible battle trying to be (like) someone other than yourself, and therefore an exhausting and wasteful effort. Trust that you are where you are meant to be, and continue on your own unique track. Trust in the process and have faith that everything will unfold the way it should. You will always feel the most comfortable, peaceful and content if you are living life on your own terms. In the words of author Jen Sincero, "You are the only YOU there is. And you are the only YOU that will EVER be. You are kind of a BIG deal. Do not deny the world its ONE and ONLY chance to bask in YOUR brilliance."
We often hide the things that make us unique. Whether they be physical - birthmarks, freckles, tattoos, stretch marks, scars - or personality traits or emotional scars, they all tell a piece of our story. Some we were born with. Some we may have inflicted upon ourselves, either in dark times or in times of celebration. Some may have been inflicted upon us by others. Sometimes our stories boosted us up, and sometimes they tested us and made us fight to become stronger and to persevere. All of our stories, and how they shaped the person we are, are unique. We each started with a (mostly) blank canvas. These distinguishing marks, features and tendencies are evidence that we have lived, experienced, grown, learned and survived. We might as well consider ourselves lucky, be proud of what we have to show for ourselves, and wear them like badges of honour. ~ Laura
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