Stay Relevant

The other day I heard someone talking to a friend about her social media and the followers that support her.  In the conversation she said, "I really need to change and mix things up so that I can stay relevant."

The phrase "stay relevant" caught me off-guard.

I'm not sure why.

Maybe it's because I feel sad that people believe they have to be more in order to gain praise or recognition. 

Maybe it's because I see truth in the phrase.  This world seems to agree with the phrase because so many things teach us that worth and value is earned and that in order to stay relevant we need to do and be extraordinary {or at least better than the person standing next to us}.

Maybe it's because at times, I find myself trying to "stay relevant" without even realizing that I am doing it.

Maybe it's because I sometimes believe that I have to earn my value in this world.  Or even worse, maybe it's because I sometimes think my kids need to do better or be better to earn their value.

That isn't easy to admit.

Is it true? Do we need to work hard to stay relevant in this cut throat, dog-eat-dog world?
Maybe we do.

In business those that work the hardest, put in the most hours, make the most sacrifices get promoted and stay relevant.

In sports we award the MVP's, the winners, the most talented.  Those that are the best get recognized for their accomplishments and stay relevant.

In school we recognize the brightest and smartest.  Those that achieve the best grades with the hardest workload get scholarships and they stay relevant.

So maybe there is some truth to the concept of staying relevant in this world because of the way things go but it makes me sad.  It makes me sad that so many are working so hard to be seen instead of just being seen for who they are.

I find peace in knowing that even though the world may operate in this fashion, God doesn't.
God is a breath of fresh air to me because I am relevant to Him regardless of anything.

So, this close to Thanksgiving {my least favorite holiday} I am grateful for always being relevant to the person who matters most.

Venting

Okay so my good friend Kassie told me I could vent on my blog, now that I have permission, here I go! So I've been checking everyone's blogs lately and I've been feeling a little down... I've come to the realization that I need a HOBBY! I'm such a dork! As I read about all the talents all of you have, I get a little discouraged with myself. I feel like maybe I've lost some (if not most) of my individual identity in being a mom and a wife. I use to be this crazy athlete with all sorts of hobbies and talents, but how does throwing a softball help me be a good mom? I use to have ambition and motivation pouring out of me, but lately I find it hard to get a shower every-other day... sigh!

Now I'm going to be somewhat of a name dropper... Okay, Tiffany, Jennica, and Ashley you impress me so much with your kitchen skills! Tiff, I don't even know half of the items you ate for New Years and you are so fashionable! And Ash and Jen, when I told Jon you did the entire Thanksgiving dinner alone he chuckled as I said, "can you even imagine what it would be like if I attempted Thanksgiving dinner?"... DISASTER! We would end up at McDonald's... except that it's not opened on Thanksgiving, so we'd settle for Top Ramen!... if I didn't burn that! And Brittney, what the crap!?!? That apron is awesome... I want one, I'll buy one! It's so cute! How do you find the time to balance being a mom, a career woman, and do all the crafty things you do... and read a million books?... seriously, I need some lessons from you. Milli, my little sister. How did you make that hat for Anabelle? It's the cutest thing EVER! Between you working, supporting your soon to be doc of a husband and working out (cutest body ever), running a marathon, learning to sew or crochet (see I don't even know the difference), learning to cook, etc... I'm jealous. I need some of that ambition. Camille, I envy you! Your writing skills are fantastic! I love visiting your blog just to read... I literally laugh out loud when I read about your crazy adventures. You are a working girl with so many opportunities, seriously you can do hair and be a therapist (aren't they the same thing anyway?!?!) Jodi and Jess, my photography friends, it seems as though you have it all together! Working from home with your own business and taking care of your families. Jace, that brings me to you... 2 kids and still working and finding the energy to plan fun vacations and such... sheesh! Katie, you are SO good at photoshop and SO good at creating blog designs for... well everyone! Ashley Aoki, you are so busy! You never seem to stop and it seems as though everything you touch turns to gold! You are so motivated and outgoing, and even a brand new baby doesn't slow you down. The Perry girls, you guys both seem so confident and happy. Jess, you are such a great wife to let Trent go to Mexico without you, I would have made Jon stay back with me and then complained about being pregnant the entire time! Kassie, you are so real and honest! I loved your last blog where you said something like "I want to be act and be how I want the world to act and be" (such a misquote but I think that's what you were saying)! Kari, how cool is it that you ran a 5K on New Year's Eve trying to beat the midnight countdown? You seem to be embracing motherhood and you seem so happy. Mandy, you are such a good balanced person, between your babe and your hubby and work and softball, you are so good at what you do. Alison, you are so smart... just reading your blog makes me smarter! Karen, you have always been so organized and "on top" of things... how do you manage it all? Tracie, you are such a great mom and a wonderful support to Mike.

Okay, I'm digging myself in a hole now... if I didn't mention you, it's not because I don't idolize you or think you are wonderful, it's because I got too tired to go on!!! Anyway, my point is, all ya'll are so good at life. Sometimes I doubt my abilities and maybe even my potential. I need to get involved in something other than my wonderful family... I guess I need to do personal thing, what is it that therapist call it?... self care maybe? I need some of your motivation, some of your spunk, so if you could kindly send it my way, I would appreciate it... I hate to use the 'D' word but sometimes I feel depressed... YIKES! Does this post make me vulnerable or what?!?! So any suggestions on where to start? Let me know... oh and a warning... I am NOT FISHING for compliments, so don't give them, just advise :)

I love you all and admire you so much.