Nothing Comes Easy. For Anyone.

This is probably one of the hardest things to accept, especially when there's always that one person who seems to get everything right consistently without missing a beat on the first try—every time. Our Loving Me Project has really started to put things into perspective, for me personally, though (This is a project we're doing on Instagram; check it out to get involved!). Last night as I was struggling to fall asleep, my mind began to wander. As I was trying to figure out what to love more about myself, I had a mini revelation. Last Thursday night, I attended a ballet class, and I distinctly remember enviously eyeing my dance teachers’ feet. No, I don't have a foot fetish, and as strange as it seems, for dancers, feet can be quite intriguing. They're actually a vital tool, especially for ballerinas. Anyway, I've never been a fan of my feet, I'm tall, so naturally, my feet are in proportion with my height. In other words, I have big feet, and I was admiring how seemingly dainty, adorably small, and beautifully arched hers were. How with hers they did exactly what they should when they should (while dancing anyway). How I would kill to have feet that didn't look like miniature ski's. As I thought more deeply about it, I remembered what I had said a few days ago to a friend of mine.

Again I had been raving about the skills of another. I said, "I just wish I had her talent," and I remember thinking about it and then saying, "But maybe I'll get there. For me." I recognized something I had been craving for myself even when I was routinely dancing: I want to be good enough for me. I want to be proud of how well I can dance even if I'm not performing for an audience. I want to be proud of myself for finally mastering my right, left and middle splits because I want to be able to do them. I may never be as incredible as those who are seemingly naturally talented, but I'll be beautiful in my own way.

Now my point: No matter how much ease and grace someone accomplishes a task that you've been working at for days, months, and even years to master doesn't mean they had it easy. There's no way for you to know how hard they may or may not have worked for it. For all, you know they could have been teaching themselves for months, and maybe this is the first time it worked. Do not beat yourself up over the fact that you always have to put in more effort. In the end, all you'll do is discourage yourself from trying anything new. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and with that being said, I'd like to make a crucial point: It's not a competition. We're not here to see who's the best at this or that. Life is not a reality show. If you're not satisfied with your performance, then do something about it. No one's going to knock on your door one day and tell you the passcodes to unlock secrets on how to succeed. Life doesn't work that way. And the only person you need to satisfy is Y O U. You're living for you, and if you're not happy with the way things are going, then make a change. Never doubt what you're capable of. You may surprise yourself. If you focus more on what you want and less on what everyone else can do, you'll be in a much better place.

“Do not judge me my successes, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela.

I can't tell you how good it feels when after failing time and time again to get it right finally. When you let go of the fear and the doubt, amazing things can happen.

Never forget the essence of your spark!
Maire