September 27, 2010

Comparing-Shmaring

We all know someone who we look at, shake our heads in utter disbelief and think to ourselves, I don't know how they do it all!

Then we start comparing ourselves and make ourselves feel all wimpy and inadequate. But the truth is? People always put their best foot forward. All we see is their very best, and usually, not much more.

Strange how we forget that.

So I have to admit, I'm the one who stares in disbelief when someone says that to me, that they don't know how I do it all. Because quite frankly, I don't do it all. Something always has to give to make room for something else.

Surely you know by now that my house is not always sparkly clean, nor do I have a magic wand that shoots glitter and rainbows.

I frequently fall behind in my art projects. I am often planning the lessons I teach at church late Saturday night. There are days when my kids spend many hours watching movies. I haven't sat down to do a craft with them in quite a while. Reading books to them comes and goes. My laundry piles currently rivals the size of Mount Helen. I do lose my temper, I do get mad, I do yell, I do cry, I do lock myself in the bedroom, stuff my ears with cotton balls, curl up in the fetal position and eat three pounds of chocolate.

Okay, not really. But I've wanted to.

I wake up every morning with mascara flecks around my eyes because I didn't wash my make-up off the night before. My hair really does stick up in odd places because of my hairspray, and sometimes I forget to shave my legs.

I'll admit, there are times when I start comparing myself to others, wishing I was a good as them, or a pretty as them, as smart as them, or whatever.

But really, I don't know what their struggles are, what their weaknesses are, where they fall behind or what they lack.

The beauty of it all is, none of us are perfect.

So give yourself some credit, maybe a pat on the back, or better yet, a bag of chocolate. And tell yourself, oh hang it all, I'm doing just fine.

Because you really are.

Disclaimer: Sorry for spouting warm fuzzies today. It just came out of me.

I ran into a door the other day while I was chasing Savannah.

I'm blaming it on head trauma.

25 super cool people speak:

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Very good post Serene.
You are perfect for those that love and need you!

Have a great week.

nikib4kids said...

It's so, so, SO true! Thanks for putting a voice to everyone's frustration!

Susan Anderson said...

I enjoyed the fruits of your head trauma!

(does that make me a bad person??)

;)

Wendy said...

Amen Sista!! Very well put! And I'm up that same alley with you. ALl those things you named off... fits me completely. But I realize that I'll do what I can, and not stress about what I can't. There's always tomorrow, to do what you couldn't get to today.

Saimi said...

Thanks Serene I needed that! Now I feel better about my horrible new hair style!

Just keep in mind, your readers love you, your hubby loves you, your kids love you and your Heavenly Father loves you!

Lara Neves said...

Excellent post, and just something I needed to hear today. Thanks!

amber_mtmc said...

Well...if it's confession time...

I never do art projects with my kids. I rarely make dinner these days. My house is a constant wreck.

But, my teeth are brushed!!

I love you, Serene. : )

TisforTonya said...

so... it's okay that my daughter touched my legs at church yesterday and told me I had Whiskers on my legs? true story - it was a crazy weekend :)

mCat said...

Head trauma for sure : )


actually love these kinds of posts!

hang in there baby!

Nicole said...

I often feel that way. Like everyone else does so much better than I. It's nice to read a post like this :) Thanks :)

Cluttered Brain said...

You can conquer any day with a good bag of chocolate! :)

ldsjaneite said...

I think it ties in with Pres. Monson's talk to us on Saturday--which I loved, of course!! But what you say goes along with my big lesson of the year: don't compare. I get so down on myself when I begin to compare--because I never measure up! But comparing is unfair for me and whoever the other person is. My mother supports me when she emphatically declares "There is no comparison!" We are taught too much as we grow up to compare things that it starts to become ingrained. Now I have to unlearn that and know that the only comparison I should be making is that between me and the potential for me that the Lord sees (and then not beat myself up for not meeting that potential, yet!). Instead of comparison, I am learning more about perspective.

Charlotte said...

I'm always shocked at the "you have it so together" or "you're so strong" comments. They obviously weren't watching too closely.

CB said...

I enjoyed the great thoughts that came from your bonk on the head!
I agree none of us is perfect and it is nice to know that no one else is either!

Pitterle Postings said...

Good post Serene! So true and the warm fuzzies are always welcome! We seem to do that so much don't we? Feel like we are inadequate to everyone else. Thanks for the words of wisdom today.

Cheeseboy said...

Late Saturday night? Try 30 minutes before church for me.

Liked this post. I was in the mood for something a little fuzzy.

That Girl said...

Whoo-hoo! I'm all about public self-deprecation too.

And I never wash my makeup at night. Ever.

Amy said...

Thanks! You're beautiful!
I forget to wash my makeup off too. But that's okay cuz that just means I don't have to put it on for work the next day.
I work in a dental office. Looking stunning is not much of a priority when I'm wearing spit-covered scrubs and packing 20 extra pounds.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

Thank you for the encouraging words! :)

Neisha said...

huh...that's what I'd say about you...you have 4 little kids...I only have 2...I don't know what it's like to have 4....I do know what it's like to have 2....and you have twice the kids
great post!

translation services said...

The beauty of it all is that none of us is perfect. So give yourself some credit, maybe a pat on the back, or better yet, a bag of chocolate. And you say, I am fine.

Mama Smith said...

Are you telling me that there are mothers out there with little children...that actually...have a perfectly kept house? Never yell? Hair in place? Clothes that are neat and tidy? Right! I forgot...they have a live-in maid...who looks like a stay-at-home Mom...

Brittney said...

hahahhaa I like translation service's comment.

I think my goal in life is to get off the pedestal I always wish I were on and face the facts that I'm not perfect, and most people will like me better when I admit it.

Larsen said...

Ah! Ha! I thought for sure you pooed rainbows and dreamed in cartoons.

I don't think it's head trauma at all. I know what it really is!

real estate values said...

There are days to spend many hours watching movies. There were no boats to make them sit for a while reading books to them.

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