Hi Lovelies,
I just have a quick love note today reminding you how special, unique, blessed and marvelous you are. If we all truly owned that fact, we would STOP the madness of comparing ourselves to others. Do you compare yourself to your friends or models or celebrities? Comparison will suck the joy right out of you and leave you with a constant feeling of being “less than”. If you are always looking at how everyone else looks, what they are achieving or what car they are driving– you will stay distracted and stuck. STOP THE MADNESS NOW! You are a Child of God. Yes, YOU! You were designed– from the way your lip turns up when you smile, the way your hugs make people feel loved, the way your laugh is a tad too loud, the way you have the ability to balance a budget with your eyes closed, the way your broad shoulders make you look strong– and on and on! Everything about you makes up one pretty amazing work of art. You have gifts, talents and characteristics that are yours and yours alone. There is no one on earth exactly like you…….so you know what that means? Comparison goes right out the window.
Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you constantly seek approval and feed off of others complimenting you and when they don’t you, you feel deflated. I know all about it! I was that to a “T”. I never felt happy with myself. Plus, I worked in the very industry where the judging of your appearance determines whether or not you get the job. Can you imagine 15 years of auditions and castings where you are basically sized up and compared to whatever “image” the client needed for their project. You may not be tall enough, skinny enough, young enough, etc. No wonder I almost became a drug addict until I realized my worth lies in the truth that I am a precious Child of God. Period.
If you battle with comparison and competition, please free yourself girlfriend. Life is too short to live another day not appreciating yourself and OWNING your uniqueness. Also, appreciate others for their beauty, originality and brilliance instead of wanting to be like them.
This past week, I was a guest speaker at the Willow Tree Women’s Circle for a discussion titled “Fabulous Not Frumpy”. I was asked the question, “how do we stop comparing ourselves to the images we see in the media”? One thing I mentioned and I wanted to remind you all today since the Oscars are coming up this weekend….. all of those gorgeous celebrities you will see on the red carpet look perfect because they have a massive team of people helping them. They have hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylist, fitness trainers, botox injectors, estheticians, nutritionists and who knows what else I’m leaving out. They have been starving themselves for the past month. Getting spray tanned. Having their dress altered to fit them perfectly. So, remember when they go home after it’s all over– they will be just like you and me in their sweats, with their hair on top of their head with a zit on their face having to change a dirty diaper if they are a new mom. Many of them are because I remember last award season there were several preggars celebrities on the red carpet. We can “celebrate” their beauty and talent, but remember they are just people complete with cellulite and issues, too. Don’t compare yourself to them in their expensive couture gown when you are sitting there watching from the couch in your sweats and not a stitch of makeup on. Ya hear! Ok- so this post ended up not being all that quick. LOL!
SANCTUARY OF STYLE 
I agree sista friend. i have to admit, that’s one of my issue’s even Superheros aren’t perfect.
Amen!!! I think we all fall victim to this line of thinking. I notice that when I am feeling fulfilled and joyful at my center I actually find that the reflection staring back at me is one of beauty. When I am feeling down on myself, I tend to be more judgmental of that reflection. Great post!!!
Excellent post, Tiff! How true! and how EASY it is to get caught in that trap! I have been doing a lot of introspection lately, going through some health issues, and have come to the realization that we must ALL play with the cards we are dealt.. there is no ‘exchanging’ cards like a game of five card stud! So be thankful for what we DO have and don’t stress over what we DON’T have! Haappiness is being content in who and what you are… [a truly unique creation of GOD!] Who is PERFECT as is, because we all know that GOD does NOT make mistakes!