Moving From Comparison to Inspiration

Curiosity. Lack of knowledge. Not knowing the answer. What images do these ideas conjure in our minds when we think about them? How does it feel in our gut to not understand something? Are we ok with that, or does it bring up some anxiety?

We live in a society when information of any and every kind is instantly at our fingertips. We want an answer, and immediately it is available to us. We have been conditioned to now be expected to know everything, or be ok with not having to learn anything.

If we have instant access to any information why is it that some of us (me included) sometimes have trouble admitting we don’t understand something? 

I believe that many of us have a fraud complex. This is not a psychological term, but just a way for to describe a way of thinking that says “If you found out that I don’t know what I’m talking about you would reject me”. 

This fraud complex is made more powerful by the thinking that expectations that are placed on some of this. Comparisons are made. “If you are not like your brother, then...”, or “You don’t do it like your Dad did, then...”. These expectations are born of a sense of lack. 

Here is the truth I’m working on (imperfectly) these days. That truth is that we are enough. And, furthermore that each of us have gifts that nobody else has. This sense of being ok with our individual gifts is a cornerstone of a healthy self esteem. When we can adopt an attitude of feeling proud of what gifts we have we will begin to celebrate the gifts that others have. The comparison game ends when we realize that there is no one  to compare ourselves to, because we are the only us that exists. 

And, yes it is absolutely wonderful and well meaning to admire others, and to be inspired by them. Inspiration is far different that comparing. Inspiration creates a feeling of curiosity and fosters connection between people. Comparison creates distance and resentments. 

I invite you today to take a look at some ways that you could take pride in what you do. I invite you to seek out those who inspire you, and to learn from them. And, I invite you to let go of the idea that you should be somebody else. 

Our Creator made us a magnificent life with many talents. Let us go out and discover what they are, and celebrate them!