Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It bears repeating

The kids are sleeping late this morning and something has been on my mind a lot in the hours before I fall asleep each night. Maybe if I put it out there, I'll feel better.

A few months ago I made a simple little image that became popular on pinterest. It's my most viewed post ever. I'm glad people have liked it, but I made it mostly for me. 
I need to hear it over and over again.

 The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes to everyone else's highlight reel. Steven Furtick


Does anyone else feel like they are beating themselves up for just being ok or even good at a lot of things, and not "great" at anything? It seems like the women around me are successful in so many facets of their lives, and I worry about my failings. Why does it seem like women today are supposed to be so completely well rounded, when men are expected to focus and specialize.

Is it like this mainly for mothers because we can't just specialize in our career? We have to be juggling so much, yet we want to be wonderful at them all. At least it feels that way to me. 

I'm a decent photographer, but I'm not as good as I should be for how long I've been doing it.
I'm a good mom, but struggle with the stamina to really be present like I should.
I'm a okay blogger, but I don't put the effort in that would make it spectacular.
I have style, but most of the time I'm found wearing a hoodie and jeans.
I've traveled, but my passport has been expired for a few years now.
I'm relatively frugal, but still find ways to spend more than I should.
I like to write, but I don't have to ability to make it into a career.
My house is coming together, but nothing to make magazines.
I'm a good friend, but too shy to really put myself out there. 
I'm musical, but haven't played for people since college.
I'm spiritual, but I've fallen into a rut of complacency. 
I can cook alright, but nothing to write home about.
My house is tidy, but only the parts people see.
I'm a good wife, but I could do so much better.
I'm attractive, but not winning any contests.




I never would have dreamed that as an adult, the thing I would worry about with such intensity, 
was mediocrity. 

9 comments:

Madsen Family said...

Natalie, It's Jessy (Spear) again. Can I just say, I think you have it all. I think you're beautiful, stylish and have a darling house/kids/marriage. I don't know why we as women are so hard on ourselves. But you are a wonderfully talented, well-rounded person and that is something to be happy about. I, for one, love reading your blog (though I don't always comment b/c of lack of anything witty/insightful to say) and I love being inspired by you. Of course, we should have goals and strive to be better--especially in our spiritual lives--but we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves. So, let me tell you this: you ARE not mediocre! You're anything but.

Push Pop Mama said...

I feel like this everyday!

Anonymous said...

The Internet has turned into an online magazine where everyday women post their fantasy selves. There is such wisdom in the council to choose wisely when using media because of the effect is has on us!

Julie Beck gave a fireside in the Bay Area a few months ago, and said something that made me pause. She recounted the story of Korihor in Alma 31 and his teaching, "... every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius ..." She said that in verse 18, it says he did preach unto them, "leading away many women, and also men ..." She said that this idea of prospering according to our own intelligence is extremely enticing for women. But it's a fallacy that will lead us to despair.

Yes, the majority of us are mediocre at most of what we do. It's normal! The few of us that become extraordinary in targeted areas also spend extraordinary amounts of time, money, effort, and singular purpose achieving very specific results. Not everyone is willing, able, ready or even interested in that level of commitment. And that's okay. I tell myself over and over, there is a time and a season for everything.

Natalie Jane said...

Thanks ladies :)

Malissa said...

Oh Natalie we think too much alike! I think this way all. the. time. I too feel like there are a lot of things I'm pretty good at, but I'd totally trade it all to be exceptional at one thing. But maybe it's a blessing to be well-rounded? I mean if we were over the moon photographers but couldn't boil water to save our lives... then we'd have super cute pictures of our kiddos to stare at, but what would they eat?? :-)

I saw another quote on Pinterest today that I liked: "The grass is always greener... when you water it" So I guess we need to nurture the life and talents we have and make the best of them, right??

Just remember that while you spend time wishing to be more like someone, there's someone else wishing they were more like you. Cause you are awesome!

amydear said...

If you are mediocre at these things you mentioned, I must be well below average in many of them! I'm thinking in particular of your singing ability, your natural beauty, and your blog. And you don't strike me as shy at all! Thanks for the things to think about. I, for one, am trying to be a little easier on myself.

Cari said...

I am the same way, I can do lots of things ok, but nothing really well. I've come to learn that it is really a blessing rather than a curse. The last job I had before I had kids, they laid off 5 employees when they hired me and I did the job of all those people. And of course I wasn't as perfect as they were, but I was flexible enough I could get by. The world may call us mediocre, but our children will call us blessed.

Kathleen W. said...

I've been trying to find time to comment on this all week--it rings so true! Thank you for writing this. Like the first commenter, I'm always inspired by you and your blog, and feel a kindred-spirit in you. I think because you are "real" and not only sharing your highlight reel (more of your highlight "real").

Natalie Jane said...

Wow, what a wonderful comment. Thank you for making my day. :)

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