Feelings of Insecurity and a Challenge

I'm sure all of you have had some point in your life where you've felt insecure in some way.  If you haven't, you must either be lying to yourself, or you are just a really lucky person!  But this post is for those of us who have experienced feelings of not being pretty enough, skinny enough, smart enough, rich enough, or just plain good enough.

I've been out of high school for almost eleven years (for those of you who just did the math...yes, I am THAT old).  Throughout that time I have never felt like I was back in high school, until just recently.  You see, blogging can be a very positive and rewarding experience.  I have made so many friends and learned to push myself out of my comfort zone.  But people don't usually talk about the negative side of blogging.  The part that leaves you with a sense of self-doubt and feelings of inferiority.  You can't help but notice when other blogs seem like they gain a million readers overnight, or when someone else just bought the latest designer clothing that you wish you had (but can't afford).   And I can deal with those feelings.  I can keep focused on bettering my blog and making genuine connections and friendships.  I can continue to challenge myself to put together outfits that the average woman can afford.  But, what I can not deal with is bloggers who project an air of superiority, while treating others as if they are beneath them.

I have always been a shy person, so I completely understand when people have a hard time talking to others in public situations.  However, since I'm that type of person, I understand the difference between being shy and completely avoiding people you don't want to talk to.  When someone makes an attempt to talk to you, you should try to make some kind of conversation back...even if it's just small talk.  Or if someone politely asks if you will be in their picture, maybe you should be a kind person and just do it, instead of saying no and hurting someone's feelings.  No matter how "popular" you may be, it is not acceptable behavior to stick your nose in the air and completely ignore someone standing next to you.  We are adults and I assumed that cliques were a thing of the past, but unfortunately they are alive and well in the blogging community.  In high school, I was never a part of any specific group.  I had friends on my cheerleading squad, in the band, on sports teams, in the Honor Society, in Theatre...I tried to be friends with everyone, because I thought popularity was dumb.  I thought cliques were dumb.  And you know what? I still think they are dumb.  

I found myself in this exact situation at a recent event and I felt a sickening feeling come across me: I really wanted to fit in.  I wanted the money, the clothes, the followers...I wanted it all.  And I think it's alright to want those things.  BUT, if it requires excluding other people and being fake? Count me out.  With that said, I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, so I'm hoping that these bloggers don't intentionally act the way they do.  Maybe they don't understand that they are making other people feel bad.  But I think we all need to take a step back and assess ourselves sometimes...are we treating other people the way we would like to be treated? It's the Golden Rule people!  Jeffrey R. Holland said it best: "Be kind, and be grateful that God is kind.  It is a happy way to live."

The point of this post isn't to complain.  I just want everyone to know that you ARE good enough.  Be yourself and people will notice that you are special.  Let your beauty from within shine bright.  Be kind and you might just make someone's day a little better.  I have a challenge for each and every one of you reading this.  I challenge you to reach out to someone you don't know very well.  Not out of pity, guilt, or selfish desires, but in genuine hopes of forming some type of real connection.  Because THAT, my friends, is what really matters.  You can have money and fame, but if you don't have authentic relationships and friendships, does any of the other stuff matter?