Coveting or Creating?

We all get inspired by another’s passion, commitment or their zest for life. Certain energies can be contagious and uplift us. They can get us looking at our own life to say “I want to find my calling too!”, or “I want to find greater happiness like they did!”.

 However, it’s something different to look at someone and wish to be exactly like them because we think something is wrong with us or we’re not enough unless we have their qualities. We may think if I just: 

“looked like they did”

“was their age”

“had their personality”

“had their family and friends”

“had experienced their life adventures”

“had their wealth or opportunities”

…then I could feel good about myself/be happy/feel whole.

Being inspired by somebody is in stark contrast to the envy that drives us to forget who we are, or worse yet trying to change fundamental aspects of ourselves that make us unique. The good news is when you’re only focused on being the best version of you, the painful striving to be identical to someone else fades instantly. There’s no competition because you are already you! In that space is where the possibility emerges to leave your unique footprint in this life that only you, in your infinite uniqueness can leave.

The attempt to perfectly replicate another will feel daunting and forever out of reach, but being inspired by others will feel freeing and motivating. The next time you find yourself thinking with any level of self-doubt or angst about how you wish you were like someone else, ask if you’re aspiring to better yourself or trying to become somebody else.

Just keep being the best version of you and you will begin inhabit your wholeness, giving you a true glimpse of the beauty in your uniqueness.