One of my favorite quotes (& one that I go back to often) is:
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” – Steve Furtick
Think about that for a second, and I mean really truly deeply think about it.
To me, it’s pretty much saying we’d be a whole lot more happy (and confident) if we simply quit comparing so darn much. Take Facebook for example. You’re having a crap day so you decide to go peruse social media (worst decision ever). Within seconds of logging in, you find that Susie just got the job of her dreams, Mary’s about to start her own business (the same business you wished you started 2 years ago), and Lisa lost 15 pounds with that new diet she’s been trying. Oh, and Jane got engaged. Great, well isn’t that just dandy, you think as you pour yourself another glass of red, tears streaming down your face.
But then again what do you expect when you’re comparing your shittiest of shit days to everyone else’s spotlight moments? You’re setting yourself up for the worst.
You see, happiness comes from the inside, and to be happy (I mean truly, genuinely happy) you and only you will ever know how that feels. It’s a feeling. It’s your feeling.
And my happiness does not = your happiness. That’s why when we compare our downs to someone else’s ups, we’re left feeling like crap. Because we’re looking outside of us, rather than the beautiful things that are sitting right before our eyes.
We need to open up our eyes, and look inside. Easier said than done, I know.
That’s why I’ve decided to sign up for 100 Happy Days, a challenge with yourself to post one thing a day that makes you happy. The best part? It’s a challenge for YOU, and no one else and it can be as private or as public as you want it. One of my favorite “rules” is this: “It’s not a happiness competition or showing off contest. If you try to please/make others jealous via your pictures – you lose without even starting.” BAM!
Bonus: if you make it through all 100 days, they send you a little book full of your happy moments. How cool?
So today, March 2, 2014, I choose to start my 100-day journey to happiness. I’ll be sharing my photos + happy moments on instagram, Facebook and twitter if anyone would like to follow along!
Who would like to join me? It’s happy time!
Xoxo,
Rachel
Do you ever catch yourself comparing you lows with other’s highs? How can you begin to look internally to find true happiness?
I am absolutely joining you on this Rachel. I love this idea!! and love your mantra for happiness, because it is so true and right on the money. our own happiness is totally an individual journey and not compared to anyone else’s definition of happy.
@Jolene Thanks love, so happy you are joining! It’ll be fun to journey through happiness together 🙂
2c3I just wanted to jot down the eocnmmt in order to say thanks to you for all those wonderful hints you are giving out only at that web site. My personal long internet search offers after your day been compensated along with great facts to switch with my site visitors. I d declare that a lot of us readers are unquestionably endowed in order to dwell inside a significant website with lots of wonderful professionals along with beneficial pointers. Personally i think very fortunate to possess run into all pages and posts and appear forward to many more fascinating times reading right here. Thanks once more for the particulars.
Pingback: Healthy Chicks» Blog Archive » Life Updates: Spring/Summer 2014 Edition
Pingback: Healthy Chicks» Blog Archive » A Happiness Project {In words}
Pingback: Healthy Chicks» Blog Archive » On Stepping Away (+ Looking Within)
Remarkable issues here. I’m very satisfied
to peer your post. Thank you a lot and I am taking a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Sugary weblog! I discovered that during your search upon Yahoo Reports. Are there virtually any simple methods to get listed in Google News? I’ve been trying for a while even so never manage to make it! Thank you so much
It’s truly very complex in this active life to listen news on Television, therefore I
only use internet for that reason, and get the most up-to-date news.
-“I would love him so much too if he also named a bag after me. Still, Happy B-day Marc! You’re a fierce bitch and your new boy toy is a cutie. But the blue hair has got to go. Dye it soihmetng else for spring/summer. Muah much hugs and kisses!”
22aThe article is worth redaing. The uniqueness and structure that shines from this article. These days blogs are used everywhere. The idea that we recieve from them has no words to describe. The attribute needed is the power of creativity within yourself via learning, thinking, creating and rigorous study. Therefore the blog post is immensely fruitful for the readers. Thanks a lot for writing such a wonderful article. I will wait for your future article with great egarness.
It’s truly very difficult in this busy life to listen news on Television, so I only use web for that reason, and
take the most up-to-date news.