Don't Compare Your Behind The Scenes To Someone Else's Highlight Reel

Dear Kids, 

My sister and I were talking a few days ago. She shared a thought with me that I now want to share with you. 

"Don't compare your behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel."

I love this. In our world (mainly because of social media) we have the chance to see into other people's lives in a way that has never been possible before. And most of the time what we see is the "highlight reel".

We declare, post and update about the great things in our lives. As we should! There is so much to be celebrated and shared. But rarely do people ever share the frustrations, the moments regretted, the words that shouldn't have been said, the emotions we wish we didn't feel, the private crying moments... We just don't see the "behind the scenes".

There are a few deadly C's:

1. Comparing

2. Criticism

3. Contention

When we see the highlight reels from other people's lives, for some reason it causes us to do at least one of the deadly C's. DON'T. There is no reason to compare your life with someone else's life just because of what they choose to share with the world. There is no reason to criticize because of the access we have to what other people's opinions are. There is no reason to have crazy contention either. 

The person who posts a smiling picture of their happy little family could be in the middle of a major health crisis and they are soaking in every moment they can. The person who posts quotes and wise thoughts all the time could be seeking for truth themselves on a daily basis. The person who (seems like) always has a clean house could have worked for years on that one talent because it was a major weakness. The person who has a beautiful body might be in the middle of a major divorce. The person with a thriving business and seems so self confident could have struggled for years as an entrepreneur and worked to recover from bankruptcy...

We just DON'T know!! Don't compare your behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel. 

Your life is great just the way it is! Your talents are amazing! Your happiness is of your choosing. Your character is how you choose to respond and build your soul. Instead of comparing, choose to celebrate. Instead of criticizing, choose to love. Instead of promoting contention, choose to spread grace. 

I love you,

Your Mom