#tbt to two weeks ago, when I arrived at #CampGLP2018. In a weekend full of fun, wisdom, and play, the above sentence—delivered by Agapi Staussinopolis—stands out, especially as I get back in the swing of everyday life. 💐 At a young age, we learn to compare ourselves to other people, often finding ourselves wanting. We are now talking more about how corrosive this is to our enjoyment and appreciation of our own experiences—and many of us are learning to stop that losing battle with comparison to others’ highlight reel. 💐 But after returning from such an amazing experience, where I was surrounded by big hearts and joyful community, I’m realizing that it’s also corrosive to compare my every moment to my OWN highlight reel. In other words, there’s that inevitable, nagging, but unhelpful thought: “Why can’t it be Camp ALL the time?” 💐 The antidote came to me while I admired a vase full of flowers: 💐 Savor the beauty of the collective. 💐 Some moments are great big roses; some are zinnias or daisies; and some moments are only ordinary baby’s breath. Some of us are only photographing our rose moments rather than sharing our baby’s breath too. Some of us are celebrating our roses rather than focusing on the bloomless days it took to reach them. 💐 But if you stand back far enough to find perspective, the COMBINATION is the secret ingredient that gives the bouquet its powerful beauty—not any one part. 💐 This is true of the flowers of a bouquet, the moments of a lifetime, and the individuals of a community. 💐 So, collect and appreciate every bloom. 💐 Savor their collective beauty. 💐 P.S. First bouquet came from my uncle via my grandmother’s suggestion on my birthday—thank you, Mimi and Wayne! 💌 Second bouquet = my bff’s Get Well Soon blooms on Saturday. 💌
