Confession

Honest Confession...there are times when I have a problem with cute clothing jealousy. I will see someone with a really cute outfit on...great shoes...maybe some adorable accessories. They look good. And while I admire their outfit, I feel a twinge of jealousy. Jealousy that they look that cute. Jealousy that I don't have that outfit...that I didn't think of putting something that cute together. It's ridiculous, right? Instead of simply admiring their great style, it goes one unnecessary step further in my head and becomes a comparison issue. I suddenly feel insecure about what I'm wearing and about my own ability to look good.

I made this observation the other day when I caught myself feeling jealous. It honestly surprised me. You know how every once in a while you have this out of body experience that leads to some startling new insight about yourself? [ok, well at least this happens to me! :)] While I don't fall prey to clothing jealousy all the time [as in, it's not an every day or even an every week battle], it's a problem all the same when it does happen.

I also realized that this type of jealousy hasn't always been limited to clothing. In fact, I have experienced this same type of jealousy when I see a really nicely decorated house. As silly as it sounds, it was a struggle for me starting years back [high school?] And I've never even had a house!! But there have been times that I would immediately go from admiring to jealousy to doubting my own ability to create something that grand. And it totally stole the enjoyment right out from under me. Sad, huh? I definitely remember freshman dorm move-in week and being beside myself because so many girls had the most amazingly decorated rooms, and I felt like mine just wasn't going to be cute enough!! Luckily, I relaxed soon after! But, really??

I would guess [in fact, I know] that I'm not completely alone in struggling with jealousy & comparison . But I do wonder what things other women experience jealousy/insecurity about? Husbands? Parenting? Kids' development? [Just some guesses] You get the picture. Maybe while it's just about clothing and decorating a home I don't have I should nip it in the bud. Starting with a confession & following with prayer....