I learned in 9th grade seminary that discouragement comes from Satan. But I am not really sure that this is true. I am convinced that discouragement actually comes from having friends who are overachievers. I have been feeling a little discouragement, feeling a little underwhelmed with my talents and accomplishments. And the reality of this depressed feeling is all your fault. Actually, it is all my fault. I should have befriended some strung-out, ugly, smelly, illiterate, low life's and then maybe I would feel good about myself in comparison. Instead, I have you guys.
Let me explain. I seem to barely manage my life with two little boys. I am mediocre at lots of stuff but not great at anything. I am the typical jack of all trades, master of none. My friends on the other hand are writing books and quilting master pieces all while being pregnant with their fourth child. The possibility of me having a third baby scares me so bad I think I might vomit. I have friends who have their own photography and/or scrapbooking businesses. I have a friend who is an amazing artist/real estate agent/perfect mother and wife. I have friends who are financial gurus while I am still writing short checks. I have friends who are nutrition experts with a four year food supply hidden under their beds, while my children eat at McDonald's twice a week and have pop tarts for breakfast every morning and when those pop tarts run out so will our food supply. I have friends who sew their daughter's dresses and give crochet tutorials on their blogs, while I write about being a loser on mine. I have friends who are classically trained pianists, singers, dancers, and just generally entertaining. Today I was singing to Nash and he stuffed a super ball in my mouth exclaiming, "Shut your mouth, now!" I have friends who run marathons and are triathletes, while I am so impressed with myself after running my typical 2.5 miles that I reward myself with a brownie and a half a box of OREOS. I have friends who have enough self-control to stick to the most excruciating of diets and I still have a really hard time with the monthly fast. These are also the women who are cellulite free. Thanks a lot girls! I have friends who are career women and somehow make it look easy with their well-adjusted children. I have a BS in B.S.-you know Political Science, which I have never used while my friends are going to school and taking online classes. My continued education consists of re-reading Pride and Prejudice once a year. I have friends who teach their babies sign language, while the only sign language my kids know is how to flip someone off on the Beltway. I have friends who are hair stylists, while my inability to tame my own mop forced me to chop it off years ago. I have friends who are PTA presidents and chair political action committees all while cooking a gourmet meal for their husband and six children. I have friends so full of faith and virtue I am convinced that I am not Celestial Kingdom material if that is what I need to make it.
Anyway, I guess I have two choices. First, I could let you all know that we cannot be friends anymore because it is hurting my self esteem. Second, I could let you know how much I love and admire you for all of your hard work. I guess I will choose the latter. Thanks all you friends and relatives both near and far. What shining examples I have been given in my life! You help me become better and I feel truly blessed to know you all!
8 comments:
Amen sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But do you know where i can find some smelly illiterates?
You always manage to say so perfectly what I and I'm sure so many other people feel almost every day. I think you are a great person, and mother! You have a great family. Two smart cute kids and a husband who loves and supports you. Don't get too down on yourself.
I LOVE reading your blog! Many times I'm laughing out loud! BTW, I've always thought the world of you, your hair, shoes, fashion sense...sweet spirit, friendly personality and your humor!!!!! Chin up girl you're AWESOME!
Oh man...you took the words right out of my mouth! Is it because we know many of the same people or what? This is something I struggle with every day. Once #2 came along all of my organization flew out the window. Imagine how I feel with a mom that can do everything, is amazing at all she does, and on top of that has 4 times as many kids as me (well you do, except your mom has a few less kids)! That really makes me feel like a failure because she's tried to teach me everything she knows. I guess I just don't get it. :) Anyways, I'm slowly starting to realize that I can't do it all and be it all and stay sane. I'll just have to find a few things I can do and stick with those. ;) And btw, you are amazing. I always read your blog and wonder how you do it all!
If you go with option 1 and decide to find some loser friends who aren't good at anything...give me a call. I think I fit that catergory perfectly. Oh, and if you ever need me to ramble off some of the many things that all of us are jealous about you, let me know.
Melisa! I completely know where you're coming from on this one. Hey I think you're an overachiever because you take your boys out to the museums and such on a regular basis. My goal most days is to stay home and not yell too much. I feel completely overwhelmed most days. But, maybe we'll both find our sanity when our kids are teenagers and we'll be taking the world by storm then.
I love ya girl!
Yes, I know its hard being my friend you mentioned all of my wonderful qualities.......ha, ha! I am laughing and crying with you. I feel the same way. Your awesome Melisa- I think you are so funny and sweet. I really do miss you a lot.
Hi, we weren't exactly best friends (maybe because I'm in the #1 category jk :) but I always admired how FUNNY and well put together you are! You gave outstanding lessons in RS and you gave an excellent talk in church, and I was thinking to myself, wow, this girl has talent for capturing an audience and delivering a well thought out oracle and at the same time makes me laugh! You really are amazing. I'm sure you would have an excellent career of your choice if that was your hearts desire. But alas, family comes first. LOVE reading your blog.
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