You know those friends who, when you tell them you just got your dream job, they do a happy dance with you as they start to cry tears of joy?

And you know those friends who, when you tell them the same thing, they fake smile as they give you a forced hug?

Let's stop comparing and start encouraging.

A couple weeks ago I struggling to make a creative deadline. I was complaining to a friend, giving her all the reasons why I couldn't meet the deadline. She smiled and said to me, "How can we make this happen?" Although we're pursuing similar paths, she has helped me in any way she can and I have never once have I felt a sense of competition from her. When I come to her with my big hopes and dreams she helps me flesh out my ideas and even writes my Instagram captions when I’m too tired to be creative. She wants to help me succeed.

Sometimes in this world we feel a sense of failure when we hear about a friend having success. (We are constantly seeing people's accomplishments on Instagram and Facebook and it is easier than ever to compare).

This is one of my favorite quotes...

Because...

1. This quote teaches us to "stay on your mat." (Apparently this is a Yoga phrase? News to me.) This is simply an encouragement to grow where you are and to not compare your accomplishments with others. Do your own work.

2. Both of the flowers bloom! Daisies, tulips, hydrangeas and foxgloves all bloom! Just because one flower blooms does not mean the other flowers won't. Gardens are more beautiful when lots of different flowers are in bloom!

3. Do you! In this analogy we are the flowers. Every person has been given a purpose for their life and we have all been given talents. It is our job to find out what those are and to utilize them the best we can! Embrace your place in the garden.

One of my favorite stories about generosity is about Amy Poehler. She and Seth Meyers were scheduled to do Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. But Amy went into labor.

Meyers says:

“At 3 a.m. or so on Saturday morning Amy texted me, "Water broke, Coco! You're gonna do great!" And that text is pretty much all you need to know about Amy. Instead of focusing on any of her fear, her excitement, or the anticipation that comes with giving birth for the first time, she sent me words of encouragement.” ("Yes Please")

How incredible that although Amy was having one of the biggest days of her life she was able to give words of encouragement to Seth.

So, here's to us all blooming, following our dreams and making this world a better place by building each other up and doin' our thang! Let’s bloom and grow!