Admiring and Desiring

Turning envy and comparison into inspiration and motivation.

All part of the same whole.

The way to become a greater version of yourself is to learn more about who that version is, and practice being that way. I gravitate toward those who have more knowledge and experience and wisdom than I do, because they show me the ways I can and want to grow.

A few days ago I had this profound realization, that the mentors and teachers I have followed and learned from for so long are right here on the same level as I am. They are also just humans, having their experience, and are no better than anyone else, for any reason. 

These people have different lives and stories and preferences and circumstances, sure, but the qualities that I look up to in them are ones that I can cultivate in myself. The essence of what they have that I want is something that I can have, too, if I choose to.

No one has the answers for your life except for you, and anyone who tells you otherwise is not in their integrity and shouldn’t be given the time of day. And / but / also — you can still seek wisdom and advice from people who actually are more experienced or knowledgeable about something. You can still admire qualities of other people without pedestalizing them or putting yourself down.

There does not have to be lack or separation. One only has to know god (or mushrooms) to know this. We are all part of the same global consciousness, and if that person can be like that or have this, so can you. Maybe it will take you longer or require more commitment — or maybe they worked just as hard to get there! It does not matter. If it’s a true desire, it’s entirely within your reach.

If you can see it in them, it’s in you too.

Whenever you notice something in another person that makes you feel inspired or envious — that thing is in you, too. Take note of all those little moments that make you think oh! Yes! I want to have / be / do that too! Those moments are showing you what you want and have the potential to create.

Maybe you notice their compassion, the easeful way they trust in the flow of life, or the lightness with which they approach conflict. Maybe they’ve healed from XYZ or gotten accepted to that school, or built a thriving community or home or family. Maybe they have an amazing garden and wake up with the sun every morning. Maybe you want all these things, too! What a gift that you’ve recognized something that you want to have or experience — now go practice creating that.

What we admire in other people is often what we have yet to claim in ourselves.

You won’t get closer to what you want by dwelling in anger or bitterness that someone else has what you don’t. Turning comparison and envy into inspiration or motivation is massively empowering. Keep moving forward with more intention and dedication to actualizing your dreams and desires. 

That stunningly beautiful, smart, successful person you passed on the street or heard on that podcast is just like you. They have grievances and they are annoying and struggle with this or that and are a human being just like you. Anything that you admire or desire is asking to be claimed so that you may continue growing into a greater version of yourself.

So claim it. Work toward it. Call it to you!

Feel that you deserve it, because you do.

xx, maggie