you know those cliche sayings?

like, “kill two birds with one stone” (also, why must we kill the birds? can we just slightly injure them and then nurse them back to health?) or “it’s the best thing since sliced bread” (really? i mean, this must be some really really good bread) and of course, “if you like it then you should have put a ring on it” (i don’t really think this one is a cliche as much as it is simply an overused beyonce lyric that gets sung at every wedding from here to timbuktu (which is where, again?) or you know, the point of this post,

“the grass is always greener on the other side.”

yeah, that one. maybe one of the most overused but you know what, it holds all kind of crazy truth or rather, crazy untruth. and also, i totally know their secret -they probably spray paint it to make it look that green, because let’s be honest, no lawn looks that good.

but i digress.

you see i suffer from “if only” syndrome (“if only” my life was like theirs; see also: the tendency to actually believe that grass really is greener on someone else’s side). or maybe simply put -i really like to compare my [insert something, anything, and everything here] to everyone else’s. and ironically enough, the things that i used to compare have now been replaced with a whole new slew of things. so while i’ve gained confidence in certain areas of my life, i seem to have developed a new set of insecurities. yay me!

but you know what? i can’t think of a worse thing to subject yourself to –comparison. it might as well be a four-letter word, because it’s just as nasty and destructive.

and you know what ELSE? that whole comparison thing, partaking in it is only going to set you up for some big fat disappointment. because hi, NEWS FLASH, someone’s grass is always going to be greener (or seemingly so, remember you’re comparing your behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel, trust me, no one’s life is that perfect all the time. unless maybe if they’re the beckhams, then yes, i think it actually is) -someone is always going to be skinnier, prettier, smarter, funnier (highly doubtful), [insert adjective of choice here], with more money and with better teeth. but that’s life.

and here’s a thought. what if YOUR grass is the one that’s greener to somebody else? i know, it’s hard to fathom that when you’re knee deep in jealousy, but it’s something i’ve certainly tried to keep in mind each and every time my mind wanders to a dark place.

so if i can offer any advice it would be this: wear sunscreen (wait, that’s not right…)

ok for real.

count your blessings. and when you’re through, count them again. be content with what you have (and with what you don’t as well) and learn to appreciate the little things. no one else’s life looks exactly like yours and you know what? that’s freaking awesome. you are unique and special and one-of-a-kind. and while it may be nice to have thinner thighs or thicker eyebrows (i have a thing for eyebrows, don’t worry about it) or a six-figure salary or a significant other who makes you feel like you’re in an episode of the bachelor (think more traveling to exotic locations by helicopter and impromptu concerts by country artists and less awkward conversations during rose ceremonies), it’s not worth wasting your time with worrying about.

plus you get those worry lines, and those aren’t fun.

and if anyone needs to hear this it’s me, so don’t think i’m up on that soap box waving my index finger at y’all while doing that sassy head bob. hardly.

rather, i’m hoping that in revealing my struggle with this, you know, on every day that ends in “y,” that you might not feel so alone in your operation “get greener grass” endeavors.

relax, your lawn looks lovely. hunter, kelly, olive, or lime. it doesn’t matter the shade, just be thankful it’s green at all.