It’s a delicate line between being confident in who you are and being easily swayed by others. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing (the world of social media), that I actually start to lose sight of myself. It’s easy to look at someone else’s work that is successful and think that their lives, work, etc., etc., are better. I start to question who I am and the type of work I want to put out into the world. Yet a minute ago, I thought I had that figured out!
I’ve been trying to be really conscious of that line, that moment when all of the inspiration and external noise starts to harm, rather than help my creative life. I want social media to be a positive influence and something fun. If it’s ever starting to become a source of anxiety or negativity, it’s time to take a break! I highly recommend breaks. :)
Remember to always be looking inward; view your work as a unique expression of who you are. You’re the only one that can be uniquely you! So show the world who that is. :) I really think it’s the only way to guarantee long-term success.
Judy Garland said it best,
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
xoxo
(Illustration by the fabulous Molly Jacques. Down to Business is a collaborative series with Molly Jacques Illustration. View more here.)
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012, 7:30 am | 
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August 23, 2012 at 8:31 am
I terribly needed to hear this today, mostly for the simple fact of knowing that I’m not the only one who goes through this. It’s so easy to let yourself get trapped in the comparison game especially when you know that you should know better! So thanks for the reminder.
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August 23, 2012 at 10:31 am
This is such a honest post. I love it. It’s very easy to get caught up in the things around us. We often have to take a step back and evaluate things. I love the quote (and a huge fan of Molly’s work)!
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August 23, 2012 at 12:21 pm
I love this post. The quote is perfect, and definitely a good reminder…
It’s sometimes hard to stay true to yourself when seeing so many different amazing artists online. It’s tough! Thanks for sharing!!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
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August 23, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Brava for being brave enough to say it, and to admit when you’re feeling–especially since all of the rest of us do, too.
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August 23, 2012 at 11:21 pm
great quote. perfect for anyone in the creative field… or well, just about… everyone. :)
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August 25, 2012 at 7:27 am
Best advice I’ve read all week! I totally agree, and definitely need breaks quite often in order to maintain my sanity and/or self-esteem, haha.
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Colleen Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Aw glad to hear it Whitney! Agreed. :) xo
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August 27, 2012 at 11:26 am
This whole series is very inspiring. I am so thankful I stumbled over todsy. Exactly what I needed- permission to be me, permission to be where I am. In a quiet season.
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August 28, 2012 at 7:38 am
Beautiful! And one of my favorite quotes EVERRR!
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August 28, 2012 at 8:06 am
That quote is perfect.
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September 4, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Yes! Very true, I constantly take breaks from social media, because sometime it can be too much. I love this quote.
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October 26, 2012 at 8:26 am
Ok, the chalk art you’ve got going on here is simply gorgeous! Thank you for inspiring me and I’ve got this linked to my post on DIY chalk art too today!
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April 29, 2013 at 3:36 pm