Intimidate:
1. To overawe through the force of superior talent
1. To overawe through the force of superior talent
2. To force someone into action by inducing fear
As I scrolled through my Facebook feed this morning, I felt that familiar sinking feeling. Pictures of First Day of School decorations and celebrations from the kitchens of friends far and near seemed to mock me. I inwardly sighed. I'm no good at that stuff. I suck at decorating and celebrations. And I know I'd be a terrible homeschool mom...
In this Pintrest-Perfect, Post-it-to-Facebook world we live in, it is easy to feel like we don't measure up.
...Wow! She's training for a marathon? Does running after a toddler count as exercise?
...They are always doing such creative projects. I never think of things like that.
...She always looks so nice. Maybe I should change my yoga pants.
Of course, we all know that most people only present their best selves on social media, and it really is fun to see the amazing things our friends are doing.
But instead of feeling bad about all the things I am NOT doing or am NOT good at, I need to realize this truth: I don't need to be intimidated by what my friends are good at.
Just because someone else is good at her life doesn't mean that I'm bad at everything.
I mean, I am bad at a lot of things:
Keeping up with housework (and laundry...)
Doing my hair and make up (Can you say "2nd day hair messy bun"?)
Exercise (Sweat and I are not on good terms)
Feeding my pets (poor bird and guinea pig!)
Decorating cakes (seriously. They look like they were run over by a lawn mower by the time I am done)
Listening to my kids read (if ever there was an activity that needed the patience of a saint...)
But I'm good at lots of things too!
Sewing stuffed animals and gifts
Cooking meals my family and friends love
Answering emails quickly
Tickling fights
Sticking to an organized schedule
Doing research
Being a public school mom (I hope!)
And lots of other things too (which I can't think of...apparently "Thinking of things I am good at" is not one of things I am good at)!
You don't need to be afraid that you am not a good person/mother/human just because you are impressed with another person's unique gifts.
So keep sharing your First Day of School Pictures, mama, and your beautifully decorated cakes, and your amazing homeschool projects.
Instead of being intimidated, I am going to put my own insecurities aside and give you a cyber high five (or click "like"!) and celebrate the amazing gifts that make you you!
Do other people's gifts intimidate you?
What are you good at?
3 comments:
Yes! I sent a picture to a friend yesterday of our "first day" around the table with our waffles and fresh stack of books, but quickly added, "Trust me, we're never really as happy as we look." :) I might do a few things well, but never all in the same week. And I've almost convinced myself that everyone else's week probably isn't perfect either.
Great perspective, Jen!
2nd day hair messy bun------YES, right there with you!!!
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