Being a mom, who is in many ways a ‘stay-at-home’ mom, in that I usually only work for 3ish hours a day, has taught me heaps. But one of my greatest learning’s and challenges has come from my almost daily interactions with other stay-at-home-moms.

“She is the epitome of perfection. She is gorgeous as is her little princess. She dresses beautifully, always on trend and her highlights never seem to reach touching-up-stage. She has her nails done regularly. Her home is a sanctuary for her beautiful family, it is decorated as if created for a magazine and her money never seems to run out.”

You know her, I’m sure. She may not be one person, but there are bits of her we find in many of our friends. Perfection. Idealism.

For a few weeks, recently, I got caught here. Lost, even. With my work life slowing down towards the end of the year, I found that I had more time on my hands…and in that, less of usual ‘purpose-driven-life’. I once heard a sermon that David ended up having an affair because he abandoned the purpose marked out for him (battle) and stayed at home instead. I have felt in many ways, like David, this past year. While I love being with my little Se bear, I found that time at home meant spending more money, often comparing my life and ‘things’ to those who I see often, and ultimately losing my sense of self.

At the heart of comparison is a story yet to be created.

We compare, only as we long for someone else’s story to become our own. I did this. For a while at least. I forgot to be grateful, forgot that we have an adventure of our own, I went as far as desiring another’s adventure. I thought that would make me happy. But it didn’t. It never will. In creating our own story, we combat the need to look at another’s. In creating a life, home, body and routine that I love, has helped me turn my back on comparison. It is MY life that I want to live now, and replicate, rather than someone else’s.

Create your own story, beautiful one. Become the envy of those around you – not because of what you have, but because of the adventure you are not only on but are fully embracing!!