Today’s a little different than the typical fashion post (because lets be real, we all need a break from that from time to time), and instead I wanted to share something that’s been weighing pretty heavily on me for the past few months (and maybe years, to be honest). I’ve been finding myself struggling with the not-so-nice game of comparing myself to other people (be it friends, bloggers, celebrities, co-workers, you name it) and having that “I’m not good enough” feeling. We’re always going to have those moments or phases where we struggle with not feeling “enough”, but my “never enough” feelings started to feel more constant – and tricked into most (if not all) aspects of my life. Let me explain…

When you are foolish enough to put yourself out on the internet (*waves hand*), there’s always good and bad things that come with it. I so appreciate having my blog and social media as a little creative outlet to share my thoughts, inspirations and (usually) pull together pictures I’m really proud of. But in the world of social followers and people wanting to be Instagram-famous, everyone’s putting their best foot forward to make life seem perfect. A perfection that you too can achieve, if you buy all the same clothes, makeup, trips, workout classes, etc. We’ve created a world of asking people to “swipe up to shop” (waaaaaay too much if you ask me), rather than talking about things that are real, and important.

And it feels icky, truly and I feel like we’re perpetuating this culture of consumerism and “not good enough” feelings if you don’t have the latest product, or aren’t in the same stage of your life too. And to top it off, I was worried about followers (losing them, finding ways to gain them), sharing perfect pictures, matching these pictures in an Instagram feed….how ridiculous is that?!

I also have this other “not good enough” feeling like I’m not where I should be in my life right now (or I should say, not where I thought I would be in my big “life plan” I had made up for myself so many years ago). When I was younger I made a timeline for myself that I would be married at 27 (ha!) and probably have a kid by the time I was 30 (real ambitious, 10 year old Maya). And here I am, starting a new job (the 3rd I’ve had in 3 years!) not married, no kids, and still living alone in my (albeit cute) little Chicago apartment. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life – but it’s hard to watch most of your friends get married, have kids, buy houses (etc.) when you’re seeing that life (for better or worse) isn’t going exactly how you pictured it so many years ago. I wish I could convince myself to not sweat it, but honestly, it’s really tough sometimes. So while I’m not going to get there tomorrow, or maybe next month (or maybe even next year…) I’m taking a vow for myself to try my best to get off the comparison train. I’m right where I am right here and right now, and there’s a lot of beauty in that place – regardless of where I thought I would be in life. I’m going to try to find more happiness in the imperfect, share more things that make me smile, and not try to be too Influencer-salesy (ever!) to any of you lovely people. It’s hard to untangle yourself from the web of the “good enough” game, and I’m going to try to find ways to avoid it as soon as I feel like I’m getting caught up in it again. I’m going to attempt to unplug more from my phone (especially on the weekends when work isn’t so urgent), avoid scrolling through Instagram as much as I have become accustomed to, and try to make sure I’m feeling less FOMO and focus more on getting out there and doing things with people I love. If you’ve felt like this yourself in the past, please share how you kicked the comparison feelings yourself too! I’d love to know any and all of your tips, por favor! <3