When I was a kid, I could do anything, and anything I did was the best. It didn't mean that what others did was not the best, too; I could share that glory with others without losing any value. My parents were the best, I made the best snickerdoodles, my brother drew the best boats, I made the best forts, the woods in the back of my house were the best... and if you had been my friend back then, you and everything you did were the best, too.
Now I compare. I often hear myself speaking a different type of affirmation: I'm not as good at (insert drawing, photography, practically anything in life) as (insert friend/associate/practically any stranger on the street). Was life really that harsh on me from the time of my childhood "I'm the best and so are you" confidence to my grown-uppish "Man, I wish I was that cool" attitude? Or is it that along the timeline of my existence I began mimicking how others acted, picking up on the cultural norm that often confuses self-confidence with owning a little too large of an ego?
This video is so great. You are so right about how when you are a child, you are the best and so is everyone else. I think that's one reason the Lord asks us to be like little children. We don't need to compare or compete. We can all make it back to His presence regardless of what happens to anyone else. It's a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't watched it, I need to remember to do it when I get home tonight. I like your thoughts though. I am going to try and be better at that...plus I LOVE pie...so I'm going to take a big bite of this affirmation kind.
ReplyDeleteThanks. What a perfect expression of something that has been nagging at me for the past few days. Been thinking about humility and self confidence. Stemmed from a comment a friend made about herself, how she constantly told herself that she was a fantastic person. It got me to thinking that there's not a thing wrong with that. A person can still see themselves as great, without becoming egotistical, the ego begins when we compare ourselves against others.
ReplyDeleteElliott still thinks I’m the best. He’s always saying DADADADADADADA, but he knows I’m his only Dad.
ReplyDeleteI seriously cried when I watched that video earlier today. My 14 year old has lost that amazing confidence to take on the world. But my 12 year old still has it. I just hope he keeps it a little longer.
ReplyDeleteI blame middle school
Gina...this is Bryce. first time to your blog. I was home and with my nieces at the Hogle Zoo when we all overheard this little girl say "I am the best dancer in the whooooolleee woooorrlllldd" then I heard these my little nieces (6 and 8), joke the whole way home about what she said. I think confidence is a good thing, but little kids understand cockiness at an early age. I would stick with a happy medium.
ReplyDeleteNo way...I do that same dance everyday in front of my mirror. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou write so well Gina and I love this video, I have shared it with others too!!!
ReplyDeleteElliott still thinks I’m the best. He’s always saying DADADADADADADA, but he knows I’m his only Dad.
ReplyDelete