The Comparison Trap

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Last Sunday was one of those days where all I had in mind was T-shirt and sneakers. I had a reasonably long week so there wasn’t much brain capacity left to think about outfits. To be honest, it felt a little like a chore to come up with different looks week after week.

Lately I felt like my inspiration has started to run a little dry and I think it’s because I’m so exhausted inside out. Not having new additions to my wardrobe doesn’t help either. I’ve been trying to spend less impulsively due to the many wedding and business expenses that I’m currently facing. Things got a little frustrating and discouraging when I started comparing myself to the other bloggers who have a much wider access to trendy pieces and reputable brands. Part of me actually became rather dissatisfied with my own possessions and the blessings that I have, to the extent where it affected my mood and the way I viewed myself. This horrible flow on effect was nothing but rubbish to the soul. The comparison trap was toxic to my well-being but yet I’ve allowed it to wreck with my emotions. All in the name of material goods.

The timing couldn’t be more apt when I heard a wonderful message entitled ‘Be Yourself’ that is so nourishing to the soul. Finally, a message to tell us to simply be the person that we’re created to be. Instead of desiring someone else’s face, talent, money, career, opportunities (a non-exhaustive list, I mean how could this be exhaustive?), it would be a lot more useful if we were to focus on living to our full potential. In a world that constantly tells you to ‘fix yourself’, it’s hard to believe that we are rightfully unique and special. Doesn’t the fact that no 2 finger prints are identical tell us something already?

I guess the point of this post is to remind myself and perhaps you that whilst it’s really nice to wear a bunch of new and expensive things for the blog on a weekly basis and in the process receive tonnes of ‘oohs and aahs’, it’s ok if it’s not possible, for now. Fashion is a tricky business to deal with and one that breeds insatiable material appetite. I’ve slowly learnt that a big part about doing fashion well requires self acceptance, wise investments as well as a sense of appreciation towards everything that I already own. The biggest takeaway that I got from the message is that there are people out there only you/I have the capacity to reach. In other words, if the blog is a true reflection of who we are, it’s very much a #winning regardless of the traffic or whether people out there actually sing praises at us.

Have you ever fallen into the comparison trap?

X

Photography? Mr M

Ps. These wrap shorts are one of the items I reach for all the time because they are so easy to work with. View the different looks herehere and here.

  1. wow! This was the best post we came across today! What you’ve written is so beautiful and true… and #respect for you state that this post is to remind us as well as yourself.

    When bloggers come out and say that they face issues just like the rest of us.. it is becomes even more relate-able. Loved your honesty and as for the clothes… well we really like the look you’ve put together too πŸ™‚ It’s not about the brands… it’s about what you can pull off with confidence.. and you win there hands down !

    Love, Wink n Pout
    Blog , App

    1. Aww Wink n Pout, thank you so very much for your sweet comment! I’m glad that you found the post relatable because I love reading those that I can relate to as well πŸ™‚ xx

  2. I couldn’t agree more with Wink n Pout! I try very hard not to fall into the materialistic trap, but it’s hard being a fashion blogger and wanting to wear new outfits on the blog regularly. I have decided recently, however, to put my priorities in order and keep my spending as minimal as I can. I just have to challenge myself to be more creative with my outfit posts! πŸ˜‰

    PS. I also wanted to let you know I nominated you for the β€œVery Inspiring Blogger Award” because your blog is an endless inspiration to me!
    Check out my post for more details: http://alligatortoe.com/2014/06/08/award-inspiration/ πŸ™‚

  3. That’s what I’ve been feeling for a while now. Since I stopped buying impulsively like you, it’s getting harder to think of any outfits to even shoot that doesn’t look like me just standing around in the same clothes. But I always feel like these are creative ruts we just have to get out of: stop overthinking and keep pushing through. As Theodore Roosevelt says “Comparison is the Thief of Joy” πŸ™‚

    Sam
    http://www.samishome.com

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