Stuck in the Middle

You know that saying, "Comparison is the thief of joy"? It's been on my mind a lot lately. Probably because I've had 3 pregnancy announcements in as many days. And while I feel happy for my friends, I feel sad for myself.

"Why can't that be me?"

"Will it ever be my turn?"

It is SO easy to feel stuck here, in the Middle of my story.

And even though I know that I shouldn't compare my life to others, I do. Constantly. But don't we all? We see someone who is more successful, better looking, funnier, smarter, has the perfect life.

But we're comparing our worst to someone else's best. Just because I don't have what they have right now, doesn't mean that I never will.

It's the doubt that feeds these ugly feelings. Doubt that things can change, or that the future may be better than I could even imagine.

And this is where hope comes in. Yes, hope. That tricky little thing that you have a love/hate relationship with. Too much, and you end up disappointed. Too little, and you end up depressed. Why is it so hard to have just enough?

Because when we are stuck in the middle, we often live in fear and doubt. And while this is a bad place to be, it's comfortable because there's no risk involved. We could stay here forever and never have to risk a thing.

Sometimes hope forces you to take chances, to put yourself out there. To go out on a limb. And it takes courage too. Because there's a chance you might fall. That's the risk you have to take.

So the next time you find yourself comparing your situation to someone else's, just remember. You can't know what the future holds, or what your journey is preparing you for. So don't compare your middle to someone else's happy ending. Your story isn't over yet.