I wonder how many of us have been guilty of saying to ourselves “They seem to have it all together, yet I seem to be muddling along.”
When my younger children are loud and won’t sit still during church. I catch myself looking longingly at those families who seem to have reverent quiet children.
I know what it feels like to feel inadequate when comparing myself to others. I have been trying to be aware of when I do it now, and try and talk “sense” to myself. I try and get myself to see the bigger picture and be rational, rather than allow myself to believe the false picture I have painted. How easy it is to compare our weaknesses to other’s strengths. How easy it is to overlook OUR strengths in order to focus on our weaknesses.
Because I know what it feels like to feel down because I “don’t measure up”, I just want to make sure that I don’t mistakenly paint a picture of perfection through my actions in real life and on this blog.
Like most people, I do like to focus on the good moments, I try and move on from my mistakes. I try not to dwell on things, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t happen!
So when you picture me, picture me being happy AND sad, moody AND cheerful. Grumpy with the kids AND having tickle fights with the kids. Hugging my husband AND being upset with him. Being creative AND being less than ordinary. Having baskets of overflowing stuff everywhere AND having a tidy house. Turning over in my bed and pushing the snooze button AND getting up and going for a walk. Being organised AND being overwhelmed. Being budget conscious AND being a thoughtless spender. Dressing trendy AND dressing daggy.
All of those things make me, “ME!”. I am not perfect, I don’t know who is?! Perhaps some are better at hiding their flaws than others 
What I do know is this…no one is immune to difficulties in their lives. It may not be in the same area that you are struggling in, so you can not see it, but we all struggle, and are struggling. Therefore next time, instead of being quick to think, “They seem to have it all together”, think, “I pray that they have the strength to get through whatever hardship they are going through right now.”
Much love to you all!!
So true. I often tell my children we are not perfect and that that’s okay. When I feel ashamed of being grumpy or snapping when my patience tires, I know the heartfelt apology that follows is also teaching my children to be brave and accept when they are less than perfect.
I’ve also become easier on myself as I’ve got holder. I don’t place such high expectations on myself and what I achieve. I don’t compare myself quickly to others, but accept that we all have our own unique strengths, as well as weaknesses, and take time to acknowledge, praise and admire others for their uniqueness.
No one is immune to difficulties, but those trying times come in waves. Some people are riding on the crest of the wave with everything going their way for a while, but the tide is forever changing and when they fall off that crest, it is then when others, who are on top of the world, must be there to help and support them along.
I enjoyed your open, honest writing, thank you
x
Nancy and I are always saying how you just have it all together and take everything in your stride and never complain and always look happy, haha! So you don’t have to worry about admiring other people, we are admiring you!
so very brave of you mika to finally write this post – i know that this is all part of your growth – long may it continue…