I think it’s natural for all of us to have a jealous monster inside of us. We see people all the time that seem to have better homes, cars, closets, opportunities, better behaved children, perfectly romantic husbands, amazing creative talents, etc. I mean, the list goes on and on, right? Sometimes I wonder why I can look at others and then feel so DOWN on myself, finding myself lacking in more ways than I’d like to admit. I probably have a minor self esteem issue, grown from who knows where (YM magazine, Saved By The Bell episodes??), because I never grew up in a way that would make me feel less of myself, but somehow that seems to be the way of women. The teenage years are hard! I work daily on being kinder to myself, and showing my daughter that I can be kind to myself, too, because that is how SHE will learn to love herself. A little self doubt is normal, but I hope my daughter can grow up seeing herself in a good light, and forget the things that aren’t great. Reading Amy Poehler’s book a couple of weeks ago (have you read it yet? It is LIFE CHANGING!), I came across this quote that really resonated with me:

“Good for her. Not for me.”

I love this because it shows that while we may admire different accomplishments of those around us, both near and far, these circumstances may not be what is good for US. I may love a bobbed, ash blonde hairstyle on Pinterest, but I think it’s clear that won’t happen. (Yikes!) The same goes for Elf on the Shelf creativeness, a perfectly clean and photo ready home, blog photos that are Vogue worthy, or a model thin body. I’m a mama, a wife, a (passably) good friend, a writer, a blogger, a reader, and a host of other small things not mentionable. I may admire the qualities of other women out there, (especially if I don’t possess them!), yet I can sit and know that it isn’t necessarily something that is meant for me.

It’a funny what time, maturity, and enough distance from teenage-hood will teach us, huh?

Tell me, do you find yourself comparing yourself to others often?