Over the last week it has been crazy in the PR department. Between BlueFox Press and Blue Clover Therapy, it has been busy and a ton of fun. But with all of this content to remember, early mornings, and late evenings your energy starts to wear thin. I have gotten the opportunity to meet some amazing people over this week who have incredible qualifications. But I found myself comparing myself to them and feeling not quite good enough.

This really hit me hard when I sat in on the presentation just before me. The presenter was a doctoral student doing great research at BYU. I sat there with my bucket full of various colors of glitter feeling childish and ridiculous. My presentation including some excellent research on brain function/CT scans with various mental health disorders including practical uses to apply this knowledge. But my mind just kept repeating to me:

I’m not currently doing research with a university.

I should have worn a suit not a dress.

I’m going to sweat to a weird ‘just went swimming’ degree.  

People are going to hate my activities.

People will not participate.

My hair is too fussy.

Glitter REALLY?!? The messiest craft supply ever!

And then I found a little plastic elephant that I totally forgot about in my bag. (Of Course the glitter lady also has small toy animals in her bag right?!?) Every homework assignment I give to a client I do myself. Every. Single. One. I do this so 1) I know how difficult the assignment was that I had them do over the week, and 2) to reconnect with the concept I am cultivating in the client.

The assignment with this toy animal was were I have the client pick out an animal and discuss how they are like it. I also have them discuss how this animal (and themselves) are unique and no one is exactly like them. We go on to discuss how elephants are not tigers, tigers are not squirrels, and so on until we come to the conclusion that we should love ourselves for what we are. Now we can improve and change but we need to love all of our elements. The idea is to just be you, not comparing ourselves to others.

Then I have them put the animal in a spot they will see it each day and then it reminds them to be the best them they can be that day and not compare.

Well played little elephant, well played.

I am not that doctoral student presenting before me, but I am me. I have a poor attention span, I use to many hand gestures, and I do sweat too much. But I am also kind and caring, I genuinely want to help others succeed, I can see people for who they really are, and I am knowledgeable in my areas of specialty.

I did the presentation just trying to be the best me. People participated and seemed to enjoy the activities (including the glitter jars!). I had a great time and the presentation was a success.

My Challenge to You: Spend this week trying to pay attention to when you compare yourself to other people. When this happens I want you to remember that there is no such thing as someone being ‘better’ than another person. Remind yourself to just be you. Try a little harder each day to be the best version of you you can be. You bring aspects to this world that no one else can bring, so don’t waste time trying to be someone else.    

You are awesome- go be your awesome self friends!

-Jessie the Therapist