blog envy

I don't follow any blogs. I barely have time to get mine written, let alone sit down and read other ones. But every once in a while, someone will tell me about something they read on so-and-so's blog and how great it was and I decide to check it out. And that is usually when the envy begins. Maybe their blog has pretty pictures or a nice set-up. Maybe it has an intriguing name. But usually the envy has to do with the content or the style of writing. There are some great blogs out there. People writing about life and doing it in a way that touches your heart and challenges you and brings a tear to your eye. And I can't help but compare my writing, my subjects, to theirs. I will read a blog written by a mother who is facing similar challenges to me but the way she words it makes it sound so inspiring. Or I will read someone's take on our culture's obsession with appearance and it will make me feel so silly for rewriting "My Favorite Things." I will start to worry that my writing isn't up to par or that I should be more eloquent and less off-the-cuff.
Thankfully, the envy doesn't last. I remind myself that different doesn't mean better and that people respond to different styles of writing. So I've decided that instead of wallowing in my blog envy, I'm going to turn it into praise. Now, when I run across a blog that inspires me or challenges me, I'm going to give it a shout-out so that other people can benefit from it.
My very first shout-out is for the ladies. I read this gal's take on skinny jeans and I was so thankful for the reminder that I don't have to choose society's definition of beauty. I don't have to measure myself by their standards. So, if you have a spare moment, take a look at this blog post. Hopefully you will find something in it that speaks to you.

http://redefiningfemale.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/the-battle-we-find-ourselves-in/