“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl JungLately, I’ve been obsessed with this quote. It’s all about perspective. Growing up, comparing myself to others was never really an issue for me. I’ve always been in ‘my own little world’- wearing outfits that didn’t match (just because I loved the colors!), hanging out with my brother’s friends (because there was so much less drama than being with other girls), and ignoring Facebook (because I really didn’t care). I think I’ve always had my own passions and goals and I really wasn’t too concerned about what others thought of me. Honestly, more often than not I found myself oblivious to the world around me. Clearly this character trait has its pros and its cons!

But last year, for the first time, I slowly started comparing myself to others. A lot! I was getting really big into social media at the time (specifically Instagram) and something about seeing direct numbers made me constantly question if I was “good enough.” My irl friends would tell me how much my following was growing, but for the first time I couldn’t shake that feeling that I should be better. If I posted a picture and it got less likes than usual, I’d feel like I did something wrong. I’d question myself and wonder if I was “good enough” (<<whatever that even means).

But it’s not just Insta. I recently started vlogging– I truly enjoy filming and editing and creating something that I envision in my head. But again, seeing raw numbers of just how many people watch these videos makes me question if I’m doing a good job. How good is good enough? Will I ever get as many subscribers as her… or create a video as good as her??

And while I still question myself sometimes, I’m starting to realize that it’s just a little voice in my head and I don’t have to listen to it. I can choose to “look inside” (instead of “outside”) because I truly LOVE creating. It gives me life, energy, joy… it’s my passion. It’s what God created me to do- to create things I love. Things that promote a healthy relationship with food… things that encourage others to desire that same healthy relationship. Because He has healed me and I want to share what I’ve learned.

The way I share what I’ve learned may change, but God has hardwired me to be a creative person. And when I focus on that, I don’t compare myself to anyone. When I look inside and pursue the passion within me, who cares if a picture gets less likes or more likes (or followers or subscribers?) No, that’s not where my validation comes from. Of course, those things are important to me because I want to share my passion with others. But if I get my validation from likes and followers, I’ll always be creating from a place of fear and not a place of love.

God made each of us individuals- special and distinctly unique. He’s gifted us all with different talents and abilities. He’s provided us all with different strengths and weaknesses. We’re all on our own journey- so stop comparing yourself to others! You’re uniquely and beautifully YOU. Take joy in that.

xoxo Cailee!