this is exactly how i feel

as i was thinking about my upcoming 20 year high-school reunion (i know, can you believe it?), i came across this article from o magazine.  i read it a couple times and wondered if lisa kogan had interviewed me and i just forgot because i am so busy.  i couldn't believe how much this resonated with me, and it got me thinking more and more about what we really need to be happy.

in today's world where everyone seems like rock-stars or royalty, and everyone can brag real-time about their over-the-top adventures to god knows where, i often find myself thinking that i might be falling behind. like i am not quite keeping up with the joneses.  we all see this, someone posts on facebook they had the best ______ ever! everyone is talking about the coolest thing ever on tv, and you realize you haven't even seen it. or you just don't really like the latest new trend, be it skinny jeans or blue eyeshadow or raw food. 

its not even a question of money, its more a question of isn't what i have, what i am doing, where i live good enough? do i really have to go on some fabulous trekking adventure to say i have really lived? and can't i really enjoy a good meal at the cheesecake factory or outback or (yes, i am going to go there) olive garden, without being embarrassed for liking chain restaurants?

i have never traveled to nepal, never eaten some exotic food that i loved, and never done charity work in a foreign country, yet i feel like i have experienced a lot.  i don't own an armani suit, or any christian louboutins or a burberry bag, yet i know i am very successful in what i do. whether it is in my consulting profession where i help some of the best companies in the world solve their most pressing problems or in my photography business where i give my clients memories they will cherish for a lifetime, i know i am making a world of difference in people's lives.

i don't have a million friends, i have a handful, of really close, very special friends whom i have known for a long time.  and yeah, sometimes i am jealous of the girls who have so many circles of friends i get dizzy, but most of the time i am thankful i don't have to balance all that drama.  my husband isn't a multi-millionaire investment banker or doctor or hedge-fund manager or venture capitalist but he has ideas that rock everyone's world, and most importantly, he loves me and we have a ton of fun together.  and my family--no, they aren't rich or famous or anything even close, but that is why they are the best.  i am glad my mom was never like kris jenner or dina lohan and my dad although he looked like chuck norris, is just an all-around awesome dad.

i read this article  and it really resonated with me, hope you enjoy it too.  and here is to enjoying the everyday, even if it is just going to the mall and eating a not-so-gourmet baskin robbins ice cream.