Skip to Content

on not measuring up

Between the many, (many) blogs that I read, magazines that I purchase, Pinterest, Houzz, and all the various other sources of inspiration out there, it’s easy to sometimes feel that my home, my crafts, my DIY’s just don’t measure up. They’ll always be someone more talented, a home better put together, a recipe tastier, or a craft better crafted.

Talking to friends about this very issue, comparison-itis is real, and sadly, very common. The thing is, though, comparing yourselves to others can leave you feeling discontent and discouraged. There’s a great quote out there about how when we compare, we are comparing our “behind the scenes” with someone else’s “highlight reel.” Blogs, Pinterest, magazines…all are there to show you the beautiful, finished, shiny product, not the false starts, mishaps and tears along the way.

I started this post intending to write about some easy, fast decorating ideas (which I’ll share later in the week), but quickly felt led to change the direction up a bit (or rather, a lot). The thing is, God didn’t intend for us to compare ourselves with one another. Psalm 139 states that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We were each given gifts, gifts that, like pieces of a puzzle, are meant to complement, enhance, and add up to create something meaningful and beautiful. He created us all to serve with the specific qualities he gifted to us, not to compare ourselves with those around us.

So, let’s take a few minutes today to be thankful for the unique gifts and talents we’ve each been given, and, if you’d like, leave a comment letting us know how YOU deal with the insecurity that comes from comparison. I’d love for us to learn from each other!

websites

Monday 25th of June 2012

You should check this out...

[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]…...

jackiefo

Wednesday 14th of March 2012

I sent this to my friends as this is something we always talk about...and I am particularly guilty of it. If there is something to compare myself to someone else about, I'll do it... cleaner house, better blog, thinner, more "together," etc... I do it ALL! This is a great post and something all people (especially women) need to remind themselves of. Also, I love your blog :)

burlap+blue

Wednesday 14th of March 2012

Thanks, Sweetie! Glad the post spoke to you....it's always a nice reminder. I'm sure I'll be rereading it myself every once in a while;) Have a great day! xo

Felicia Kramer

Tuesday 13th of March 2012

Ah, I needed this. Guilty as charged. I recently joined a group of artists in my area. They are all delightful people, but I can't get past feeling inferior because I'm not as talented, I don't exhibit as much, I don't sell as much, etc. etc. etc.

burlap+blue

Wednesday 14th of March 2012

Thanks for commenting, Felicia. As ironic as it sounds, I'm sure the other artists in the group also are feeling inferior for one reason or another. There's always something someone can do better...it's hard to focus instead on what we can do well! You have been given some amazing talents! Have a lovely day. xo

Anita S.

Tuesday 13th of March 2012

Beautifully articulated and well written.

Here's a quote that might be helpful.

"Others judge us by what we do. We judge ourselves by what we did not do."

Just a little something to keep in mind.

burlap+blue

Wednesday 14th of March 2012

Love the quote! Thank you, Aunt Anita! xo

burlap+blue

Tuesday 13th of March 2012

YES! It's so important to know what you want in the end...anything that will lead you towards those goals stays in your life, anything else goes. Love the holding it together by a thread analogy...maybe I should say I'm holding it together by a bead of hot glue? ha ha:) love you, friend!