Hi friends! It’s been quite a while since my last coffee chat, so I thought today would be a great day for it! If you’re new to “coffee chat,” it’s a series I started back in February as a way to kinda just chat with my readers. Super informal, nothing fancy… just chatting about whatever is on my mind at the time, like we would do over coffee! If you have anything specific that you want me to chat about or questions that you have, feel free to leave them in the comments below or email me emily@lifewithemilyblog.com. Let’s go ahead and get started shall we….
Today’s Coffee Chat is all about the “c” word (no not that c-word, get your mind outta the gutter haha!) The c-word that I’m talking about is one that people everywhere struggle with…. comparison. Since I’m recapping my #rStheCon looks, I thought this would be a great time to talk about it.
As most of you probably know, the rewardStyle conference (#rStheCon) is an invite-only conference for top publishers on the rewardStyle platform. It’s a three day event where you’re surrounded by some of the best in the industry and you’re able to connect with some really great brands. If you’re like me, planning for any sort of conference or event is stressful…. but add in being surrounded by people that you “fan girl” over is also a bit intimidating. Actually, let’s be honest it’s really freaking intimidating! This is one of those conferences that really makes the c-word creep up in me. It’s so easy to compare followers, numbers, outfits, and the like. Which in turn, makes it really easy to get down and out. To feel like you’re not as good, not as successful, etc.
No matter if you’re a blogger, an entrepreneur, or work in a corporate job, it is so easy to compare yourself to others. I’m no stranger to this feeling, believe me. But what I have found is that when I play the comparison game my content suffers, I am not confident in myself, and having that self-doubt really trickles into other aspects of my life. I have to constantly remind myself that what we see in small glimpses- at conferences, as you’re scrolling through instagram, or checking updates on Facebook- is not always the full glimpse into other people’s lives. It’s a small fraction of their life, their highlight reel. I always try to think of this quote when I began comparing myself to someone else….
A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that each person is at their own place in their life for a reason. I know that at the end of the day I want to share my happy moments with my friends, family, and readers and that’s what others are doing as well! Because who wants to share the no-good-very-bad-days with everyone?! Not me! But again…. there have been plenty of those too!
Can’t wait to hear all about your rS con experience in a couple weeks!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Ugh. Such a great post!! It’s definitely something we all tell ourselves. But sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else. Thanks for the reminder!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
I love that quote!! I’m just in my first year of blogging, and I know others have been at it so much longer and have the benefit of that experience, but comparison haunts me all the time. It’s such a constant struggle. It’s really nice to hear these words coming from a blogger at your level. It helps, for sure!
Emily
http://darlingdearestblog.com
This is such a thoughtfully written post. I love your blog and it is so impressive that you have been able to make a career of it. Keep doing your thing – we all love following along! 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I would love to hear more about the conference –Hanna Lei
Latest Post: Giveaway: Printed Hoodie with Remi Froomer
Hi Emily..I came across your blog three weeks ago and honestly I don’t even remember how I did! I am really glad I did though because you inspired me to blog as well! I have been so motivated to do so and I love reading all the different things you post and blog about!! Would you have any recommendations for beginner bloggers and how to build a network base like you?! Thank you and cant wait to read more!
Hi Laura, Thank you SO much for your sweet comment!! I am starting a blogging series soon, so I will provide all of my tips/tricks/advice through that series! 🙂
Such a great post!! Definitely encouraging to hear from someone as successful as you are girl!
XO,
Erika
missetayla.com
Going through your archives so hard right now lol but love this! Great thoughts for me as #tbscon approaches! Looking forward to seeing you there!
xo,
Tilley
Ah! I won’t be there this year!!! 🙁 I am SO sad, but August is a crazy month for me & I couldn’t make it work! Have a blast though! Xx
OMG noooo! So sad! Well, you will be missed! <3