Compare yourself with...

Compare yourself with…

absolutely no-one…

I haven't posted in some time - and that's ok.  My thought was if I can blog once a month with the things I want to do, the things that are coming up, as well as, the things that are happening right now - it's all good!  I'm me, this is my blog - and basically I can do what I want here lol ;)

So the comparison thing…well, it's human nature - but a bad habit - and one that typically has us doubting and putting ourselves down.  Whether your internal battle sounds like "they don't like me, I'm not creative enough, I didn't catch on fast enough, I don't have what they have, I'm not skinny, I have a big nose or Queen Mary feet" - the reality is - you don't need to be talking to yourself like this.  I'm not sure why we do this - but I do feel part of the reason why we do, is because we live in a world where others judge, categorize, criticize and bully others - often without ever taking the time or to care about their own thoughts or actions.  They make assumptions - and 99.9% of the time - they're wrong.  So the next time you find yourself in a self talk that's negative - turn it around and simply silence them...if you are talking like this - you know what?  You are wrong too :)

Sometimes life is like looking out the window - you watch, you listen, you speak less, and observe more.  We all need a little quiet, to focus on all the positives.   You hear a lot about being thankful and grateful for what you have - but the simple truth in that - is that some days it's hard to do - but that doesn't mean you stop trying.  You do what you can, in the manner you can - and keep on - keeping on...looking for all those simple things that bring a smile to your face.  These are moments in time - and they will pass...

Snow is one of those smile things for me.  It makes me happy - especially after several years of just dustings.  Yes - if you couldn't tell - we've had some snow here this year…these are the Winterberries that are just off my porch from a couple weeks ago.  Love this shrub - as they attract the Bluebirds (photo from last year when we had NO snow)…but regardless, being able to see the Winterberry in all its winter glory with snow or without - with visitors or without - just makes me happy and thankful for so much because it's a reminder that life continues through the seasons :)

My BlueBird family loves them too...

A few months ago, I felt myself coming to that cross-road.  That place where you stop, look, and really think about which way you're going - and my thoughts at the time - had more to do with the business side and creativity.  So along with assessing all my successes, I also looked at the things that were weighing me down and realized I simply needed to let go of them, in order to make room for the "nexts" - so when I think about being grateful - I really am.  Maybe because despite knowing and having gone through all the bumps, potholes, and detours in life - I still wouldn't trade any of it away.  You know, they say if you have a place to call home, some people that love you - that your life is good and you have more than enough without any other "stuff".   

Every day - we have choices - and some of them are...do you focus on all the things you don't have - or do you focus on all you do?   And just how do you focus?  Well, you need to try hard at silencing the voices, by taking inventory of your life and being happy in the here and now.  We all need to view ourselves from the outside and really see our own strengths and true value - as that's one of the keys in helping us stay motivated and keeping our face in the light.  You don't have to be perfect...I'm not...and no-one else is either.  No big deal.  Embrace it all and keep moving forward and focusing on the journey itself - we are all on one.

So my thoughts as January comes to a close…and as I'm still trying to figure out which road I'd like to travel down on the creative side of life - is to keep focusing on all the good stuff.  And my Top Tipsters…

• Be patient with yourself
• Recognize the good and give yourself credit (build your confidence…)
• Realize that we are all unique and different and be thankful for that...
• Do things because it's positive…and by doing, you feel better about yourself
• Happiness has nothing to do with how others are, or what they are doing, or what they have - it's about you alone - and your personal journey.

And sometimes, you may need to remind yourself as I do, that…

• We are still learning…but remember if you're here - time is on your side…
• To focus on what you have and who you are, and not get confused with what others are doing or saying…
• To share...the positive thoughts, and whatever gifts and talents you possess…
• When you meet a kindred spirit with a similar mindset, by all means let them know!  Compliment their actions, and express just how happy it makes you to share the good thoughts and things.

So when you look in the mirror - really LOOK and truly appreciate the unique individual that is YOU, and focus on the good stuff.

FYI…
"HeartFest" starts tomorrow on our Facebook page - this week there will be lots of shares with the things that make your heart full.

Look for more creative news next blog post…

Have a SUPER weekend everyone :)

JLynn