How I stopped comparing my life to others - success should be re-defined 

“A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.” ― Zen Shin

I loved this part: "I didn't want their lives. I wanted the happiness I believed they possessed." That's so true! We feel other people are happy by what they have around them and see them smiling... But we don't really know what goes on behind their closed doors.

I have recently turned 65. The past three years have been full of devastating loss (my husband, mom, dad and sister). In the process I have lost who I thought I was. I am really struggling. I find your channel to be a momentary glimpse of peace in my very unhappy world.

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a quote I use with my son when he gets upset when he compares himself to others. It’s so true.

I worked so hard to go up the corporate ladder I was one step away from the top. I found out I had stage 4 cancer. During the treatments I wondered every day why I didn't enjoy things more instead of the struggle to get to the top. I've made it longer than they predicted but one thing I've learned, enjoy everyday be kind to those around you and don't take one moment for granted. Thank you and our friends who follow you for all the life enriching conversations ❤ I love you all...

Coming from someone who dreamed and dreamed of living in a place in nature I loved, when I finally got the opportunity I remember thinking “I’ll just be happy now” - but, at least in my case, it just doesn’t seem to work that way. If you haven’t done the inner work, your old feelings creep up on you (and yes, this kickstarted A LOT of persona growth, as I was very disappointed in myself - it’s still hard to admit here). It shocked me when I found myself worrying over losing my home, and upset at changes happening in my valley that I didn’t want. I still struggled to manage my anxiety. Natural disasters happen out here often, my home could burn down, stressful things exist everywhere, difficult people, and fearing an unknown future in the arid parts of the west. I thought a new location would resolve my own anxieties in regards to life, and it just didn’t do that for me. If anything, it was a slap in the face, a loud message of “you need to learn to live with you, and enjoy that interior experience. No place will resolve that.’ While I understand our environment has a great impact on us, and that certainly we all romanticize other lives when we are in a tough spot, I do believe that interior journey can take us to a better place. It takes time, and it isn’t a magical cure. It helps us to appreciate our path, work towards finding a place that is safe and that provides our basic needs. And then cultivate that deeper self and purpose. I am still on that journey, and I have to admit that the best thing I ever did to be content with my life is to volunteer and reach out to other people. Help my community. It puts everything into perspective ❤️ and connects you to others and helps you see we are all in this together. I’d love for this to be an open conversation, because I certainly don’t have all the answers - I still continue to learn more every day, and appreciate where I am in my journey. I continue learning how to best love others, be proud of their success as well as my own. Success is something we need to define for ourselves if we truly want to find that good place (at least, that is true for me). In my limited experience on earth I have come to believe that sometimes we compare ourselves to others (and are far too critical of our failings) because we are yearning for an emotion that we need to cultivate within us. Maybe it’s confidence, self-love, or feeling proud of ones life no matter where you are on your journey. This isn’t the case with everyone who dwells on comparison or jealousy, but I think it is for some of us, at least. Constant comparison is a symptom of our emotional needs, and perhaps it’s worth changing the pattern of dialogue in our minds to begin to fill that void. We all have patterns of behavior, and even comparing ourselves to others too much can be a pattern that negatively affects us, blinds us to appreciating our own journey, and making us think that if things were only different, then we’d be happy (As if it is out of our reach, instead of something we can choose to begin cultivating).

“Unhappiness is purely the result of comparison.” -Soren Kierkegaard

As a mother of an autistic child, I learned the true meaning of love and happiness from her. She is just happy the way she is without comparing herself to anyone. I wanted her to be different in the beginning of our journey. I wanted her to be a(typical)person but it’s me who needed to change and not her ❤️

Comparison is the thief of joy!!

In Zen it is said, "The more you seek rest through doing, the more restless you become." You are fortunate to be learning such wisdom at such a young age.

I didn’t even know such life-style exists nowadays! It’s soooo peaceful, calm and reassuring! ✨

I remember having the same realization in high school…. That I didn’t want to look like someone else, but I wanted the confidence and peace that I perceived in other people. I still need that reminder today.

That is so true - I dont want the lives that others have, I just want the same happiness and feeling! I spent a long time struggle with my choice of life, since many of my friends from college went to big companies and seem to have a great life in the conventional viewpoint. But I just feel like I cannot be like them. My passion and joy are channelled elsewhere - in the nature, in the spirituality of ordinary and traditional living way. And that doesnt mean I will achieve less in my life, the outside doesnt count, the inside feeling of happiness counts. So I moved to the land of Tibet and live in a rural village, a very surprise choice to many of my friends. It ends up really well, I feel like when I finally follow my intuition, I can trully see and acknowledge my own value, I stopped comparing with others, and find real peace in my heart. That is such a great experience. Thank you so much for your sharing this week!🥰

This reminds me of something very wise I read the other day, in relation to wanting what someone else has. "The statement, 'I am not equipped to handle what they have, both good and bad', has been one of the greatest realizations God has given me. Every situation has both good and bad. When I want someone else's good, I must realize that I'm also asking for the bad that comes along with it. It's always a package deal. And usually if I'll just give something enough time to unfold, I can often be found thanking God that I didn't get someone else's package."

I know it’s EASY to say, “Don’t OVERTHINK things.” But, in reality, for a person (or child) who questions many things in or about life … is a sign of high intelligence and great AWARENESS. Thinking there was something wrong about you or your lifestyle is what brought you here today. There’s absolutely NOTHING wrong about you. There’s everything absolutely CORRECT about you. Distract yourself with all the beauty around you. Love … and be Loved

I stopped being jealous of others, by recognising, that whatever they achieved, they worked for it. And obviously, with a stroke of luck, everything worked out. Luck comes to those who prepare for it. And just let it stay a while, every river has its own path, spem go through forests and some go by temples. But it works out, they all got brought their life. In a few years, you realise, what you actually wanted, was not what you were doing. And then you work from there.

Absolutely wonderful message and images, Paola. It's funny to say but in telling us about your pets shedding at a seasonal change made me think, we as humans should consider doing the same. Rid ourselves of old habits that are not relevant to a happier existence. They may have served us at one time, but it may be time for a reexamination. Thank you for what you do.

I have been in tears this week, and my grief for my wife still overwhelms me even after 2 years. My solace is watching cottage fairy videos that lift my spirits. Thank you.

You never "find" happiness, you must INTENTIONALLY create happy inside yourself.

I’ve wasted time comparing myself to others and envying the more fortunate: the rich girl whose father pays for her Paris trip; the pretty women with the cycle of disposable boyfriends; people who were more organized; those who had a clear idea of what they wanted to do with their lives. I thought those who had a seemed advantage had a strategy or a mental/physical feature I’d never possess, and I’d hate myself for not having the same advantages, completely forgetting I’ve a talent of my own which I wasn’t utilizing. Envy is borne from comparison. “Why shouldn’t I have what she has?” Envy is a horrible thing that can eat us up from the inside. I’ve had health issues that made me realize how ridiculous it is to worry about things that I can’t control. A professor once said “I’m not better than you, I’m just ahead of you.” Meaning we shouldn’t compare our progress to anyone else’s. My hairstylist also said “None of us are Beyoncé, and none of us will ever be.” Lesson? Accept you won’t be the idealized person you compare yourself to, and live your life as completely as possible. I forget what I’ve learned sometimes, but I’m trying to be better… I watch your lovely videos before bed, and they’re a peaceful way to end a day. 🌷

I feel as though, I am watching a young Beatrix Potter. Artist, lover of nature and creator of beautiful things. xo

This hits so close to home, I was almost brought to tears. Thank you for talking about these topics, you are an inspiration!

So true. Comparison takes away our joy. Reminds me of the quote, “Be the best you. Everyone else is taken.”

Be content with who you are and with what you have, love your friends and family, live within your means and don't owe anything. Those to me are the key and will prevent you from comparing your life to others.

We always think the grass is greener on the other side. When I was younger I always thought if I could graduate from a certain career it would bring me happiness but 25 years later I have realized you have to be happy within yourself . You are enough just by being you. ❤ Thank you for the reminder.

As a freshman in college, the past few months I’ve felt myself all over the place. I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do, and being a stem major it was hard seeing all my other stem friends who knew exactly what they wanted to do. I am an artist, first and foremost, and In a world of absolutes such as that of stem I’ve been feeling very lost. A few weeks ago, I discovered your channel. I don’t know what about your videos has helped me so deeply but I finally feel that the never ending buzz of anxiety in my head has finally began to quiet down. I’ve been working hard at my studies, but after, in the calm tranquility of night, I paint. I’ve been collecting and drying flowers, painting and sketching deer and small blooms, and reading as much as I can. I’ve been able to take a step away from my laptop, and while I wouldn’t say that I know who I am, it definitely feels like a start. Sitting down and just watching the warm shifting tones of your videos, and hearing your calm dialogue, has been such a blessing during this busy semester. I truly, truly thank you for the content you put out there. It’s helped me take a step back, and figure out who I am.

"I didn't want their lives. I wanted the happiness I believed they possessed." You should copyright this sentence. I could write and talk endlessly about it. This is SO SO true. More than half of humanity want to be / or have other people's lives because they believe that they are better or happier than theirs... But when you scratch a bit, you eventually see that they also have problems and that our own life is good as it is :) It also is SO calming and appeasing when we make the experience that happiness is unique to everybody and ourselves. A massive thank you from Toulouse, France for your word and wise words!

I'm in love with a scene with a bunny hair on the cinnamon roll. :) It's adorable! Everywhere in social media we see perfect relationships, bodies, jobs and so on. They seem ideal only because flaws and imperfections are deliberately hidden from us. But truth is that there is always something like this bunny hair in reality) The fact of including this small imperfection in the video is so cute and so brave! Appreciate your humor and naturalness

I’ve been sick going on 7 years and it is very difficult to accept. I don’t compare myself with others, but I miss my health. The most important thing in life is our precious health, before anything else in life. 💕 It must come first.

Oh man I did this too many times.. Other women got married, got babies and I was struggling with my masters degree and my job. I felt unhappy and unloved. I compared my life to those people because I thought they were super happy . But I recognized that they had other problems and struggles.

You have no idea how much this is helping me. I was caught up in a narcissistic abuse where he made my life seem small and insignificant to the point where I started questioning my reality and became nihilistic. It was the scariest place to be. Now I am slowly finding my way to the person I used to be. A person who was totally accepting and choosing to be content with what she has. Yo videos has brought me so much peace. And am slowly learning say that I am enough as I am,

You know you make me think twice about my life, feeling that life is not about what we expect but it's about what we live everyday❤❤❤

As a 2 dogs owner, I laughed and related so much to the bunny hair garnish🤣 off topic but have you ever thought about how much fur we eat unconciously? Ahhh the prices we pay for being happy animal moms💖

I haven't commented on a youtube video in about ten years, but I love your videos so much I feel like I HAVE to tell you. I'm studying to be a barrister at the moment (for those not in the UK - those lawyers with the daft robes and wigs) and totally relate to being a competitive student. I'm doing 50 hour weeks and still feeling like I'm not doing enough because I'm not the best of the best. But this course has helped me realise that I don't have to be. I can have a career and life that I love without 'beating' everyone else. This has been really difficult for me to accept, and I've been watching your videos whenever it gets too stressful. You've been such a great help to make me slow down without feeling guilty about it. Thanks so much

To the incredible person that's seeing this, I wish you all the best in life❤ don't over blame yourself, accept things and go forward. Don't let others define what “success” is for you. Get up, learn the skills needed and get after it, all the keys to a happy life are in your hands. Keep pushing.

The moment I earned the highest respect for my teacher was when she said "Just be yourself. Yes, you should have a competitive mind but don't turn it into something toxic. Compete with yourself. But the most important thing is to just be yourself."

Paola, look at this beautiful community you have helped create! Thank you! And a big thanks to my “friends” here who have left such comforting and thoughtful words. We are so blessed.

“comparison is enemy of joy” …. I love your message of positive self talk. Thank you.

I like your calm voice. I often talk silently in my mind with myself and I hear this voice talks to me from inner world.

This is so relatable. As someone who frequently compares her life to others, tends to set her worth according to credentials, cherishes a simple life yet often wishes for something more, and struggles with an inferiority complex despite having no real desire to change herself, it means a lot to hear the perspective of someone who has managed to overcome a similar situation. Thank you for sharing. 💚

“Dear YOU, don’t compare yourself to ANYONE. Your Unique Self is empowered, powerful, and unstoppable! Your uniqueness is what makes you incomparable! Don’t underestimate the beauty of just being YOU.”😊 ― Stephanie Lahart

Dear Paola, everything is beautiful about you, your handwriting, the beautiful valley where you live, the way you cook, everything! Life is confusing and it good to hear you discussing how you are coping with all the issues it brings. You are amazing. Sorry to hear about your dog!

Excellent post Title "How I stopped comparing my life to others - success should be re-defined. Others should learn from you.

I relate to this so strongly, the envy, despair and self-loathing that comes from comparing ourselves to others. It's truly wonderful that you've learned this so young. It's funny, I was once a happy introvert, but in my mid-30s I have found myself increasingly lonely, and idealizing the lives of the extroverts I see parading around in their jovial groups... and yet I know that when I try to be that kind of person, it's a harsh self-abandonment that leaves me emotionally devastated. I hope to find my way back to a peaceful acceptance of my nature, but I sure am lost these days. That said, your channel is a beacon of light, a reminder of the beauty in solitary existence. I've been enjoying your videos for the past year or two, and want you to know how grateful I am for the work that you put into them.

is there anyone love her quiet and soft voice like me ?it's so enthralling 💚

Thank you 😊 You truly are an inspiration to this 75 year old woman, who is constantly working to improve myself. 😊

Life becomes alot less stressful when we stop worrying about what other people (except family) think. When you reduce the amount of people in your life and have a few select friends, it seems to enlighten you in many ways.

I love what you said… “Life is a forward and backwards [dance].”

It's important to recognize who you are as a person and live accordingly, instead of trying to be someone else. It's hard to find someone as young as she is with this kind of wisdom. Sending much postive energy.

Good Morning 🌞 This was so beautiful! Forgive me if I have said this before but I have always told my children, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. I find this helps when you stop to remember you are here to find your path and your journey. When we compare to others it simply brings us down and takes away the joy. I say this with what I do, that to many women especially are changing who they are or fearing the journey of age and life and they are all starting to look the same, frozen faces and big lips and more. All because they look at social media or the beauty industry and they continually compare and don’t realize their uniqueness and beauty. Embracing who you are and the beauty of your life will make you happier. Stay in the moment and when you start to compare or go down that hole, simply stop and think about 3 things you are grateful for. At 56 I realize the time in my life wasted by comparing and being envious or upset I hadn’t achieved something that was not my path. I do have goals and I do strive but above all I remain grateful for the life I have and the experiences that are mine. Blessings 🍑🧡🙌🏻Lisa

I laughed when I saw the bunny hair because I absolutely can relate to that. My dogs hair always makes it onto my plate. 🤣

So true Paola. I was older than you when I finally realized I like myself and would not want to be anyone else. Sending you blessings❄🌲

I love you embrace your journey. How healing through your ED and growing is so beautiful. I come from a lot of childhood trauma/abuse. I plan to move out as my environment is not conductive to my growth mentally. But I know that when I do leave behind the toxicity and abuse, that a new place won’t magically cure my problems. My traumas will be a part of me no matter where I go or what I do. Healing the inner childhood wound will be a life process and will take effort. I plan to always prioritize my mental health as I know I will need to to live

yes, I heard your message of not comparing and being happy within your own skin. BUT, can I just say I LOVE you hair!! You do inspire me to be content and love myself and surroundings. I actually painted a nursery painting for my daughter's new baby room. This was inspired by my son who was visiting and bought canvases, acrylic paint and brushes and said, "Let's do something creative and each paint a canvas". We ALL said "I can't paint", but persistence on his part had us looking up Pinterest ideas and low and behold, they were great! It was a wonderful time of bonding and something very personal for our new loved one that she can cherish in the future.

Ive been recently broke up with my girlfriend, as a broken home child. Its feel really painful since many people including me thought she was my second home. Your channel really help me someway to calm me down and tell everything gonna be okay. I hope for everyone find their happiness eventually.

I love this message. Achieving one’s goals isn’t what you expect it to be. I am quite a perfectionist and I always try to do everything at once but I often overwhelm myself. I really do have to try everyday to just take one step at a time and enjoy each moment as it comes. It’s funny because from the outside I feel as if people see me as quiet calm person who’s always content but on the inside my mind is constantly spinning with all the ways I could possibly improve EVERYTHING! I’m still learning on how to be fully in the present but I’m also still aspiring for my dreams. I believe this combination is key for a life that is both fruitful and filled with contentment.

You do you Paola, that’s the best advice I was given, I kept comparing myself to other teachers. I feel a lot more happy now I don’t teach, my creativity has returned, slowly but surely. I am learning a lot from you, especially from your sweet tooth 😉. I love this channel. ❤️🇬🇧

You are so true in what you do and say. Real gem on youtube. Good to have you

I think you're living the life I dream of everyday. You're truly blessed.

Sometimes being content is better--easier--than being happy. I've found that trying to be happy can be tiring sometimes. And that makes me unhappy. I've been through travails, as have we all, and now, in my old(er) age, I'm generally content, with bright bursts of real happiness that come more from my relationships with my friends, my children, and my grandchildren more than from a need to have this, do that, etc. You have so much wisdom, drawn from personal introspection, and it makes me think more about who I am, where I'm at. Thank you.

Thank you so much for inspiring us, little fairy ! it''s true! The butterflies will start appearing soon, along with the bees! The birds have already started their courting chirping early in the morning! Still cold, but the signs of Spring are multiplying by the day! Love from Greece!

I’ve got to say, I love your videos! They are so calming and relaxing and like a miniature film every time 🤍🥺 you’ve inspired me in so many ways

You have gone to the top of my list... of the nicest, most wholesome lady I know on RU-vid. I love gentle soothing, articulate, voices. I also adore artistic people and picturesque environments. I'm a professional artist, or was, I write and storyboard for my own pleasure these days. I'm twice divorced and, like you, currently live on my own in a two-bedroom apartment. Retirement means I can do what I like, when I like. No boss on my back, no art studio deadlines to stress about, no wife nagging me to cut the grass or find a boring job to generate more money... that would be spent on futile knickknacks - frippery I don't need... Stay happy, keep smiling, keep posting.

Her life is sooooooo beautiful. I watch just to get a taste of it. Such a beautiful life

You seem to have a special way of awakening things in people. Thank you for your soft and tender kindness. Kim-

My poor niece (7th grader) is a perfectionist and is also a member of a competitive dance team. I've been working with her to develop the idea that she's in competition only with herself, no one else -- and that by competing only with herself, as long as she shows up there's no actual "winner" or "loser" in the room. If she doesn't get straight A's in school but actually learned something, then that's fine; if she doesn't "place" in the competition but feels good about her performance, then it's all good. She is slowly (oh so slowly) coming around to truly accept that idea, and we've been able to see her anxiety over certain things slowly easing and fading. It's far too easy for us to get caught up in "keeping up with the Joneses" and showing the world our worth by measuring it only in relation to what we've gotten/done in relation to what others have gotten/done.... that whole "he who dies with the most toys wins" philosophy. Thank you for (another) wonderful video -- I plan to sit down & watch it again but this time with my niece in a couple of days. :-)

"It's so easy to be hard on yourself when you know who you want to be." Wow, thank you. I caused myself stress today doing this. But...tomorrow I will be better! Thank you for your videos.

Hello BEAUTIFUL fairy, Paola! You are WISE beyond your years...wiser than many old people. An INSPIRATION, a JOY to look at and to listen to. May GOD bless you always in JESUS´ name. Amen. Lots of love from Kat in England, UK X

You always somehow manage to deliver the right messages exactly when I need them. You’re only a few years older than me, but I look up to you a lot. Your level of love and compassion towards everything and everyone and yourself is incredibly admirable.

Today was a really hard day for me, I had so many bad thoughts that I felt suffocated. I am an artist and today I am not satisfied with my artwork that I have done, I have not been able to paint in any way. This made me question my abilities so much. Thanks Paola for this video, it warmed my heart and made me be less hard with myself.

"This is enough. I am content with the way things are." ❤️❤️

Your video is like an art house movie❤

Contentment is the magic ingredient ❣️ thank you for sharing your thoughts and peaceful activities 🙏

AWWWW, SIMPLICITY AT IT'S BEST, LOVE YOUR CONTENT, YOUR LIVING WAYS AND JUST THE NORMAL AND SUBSTAINELY WAY OF LIFE, I LOVE IT!!! THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I MOVED AS WELL, I ENJOY PEACE, AND LOVING MYSELF.

Thank you, Paola for your constant inspiration. Before I came online today I made my own candles and I also made some natural whipped body butter from organic butters and oils. After cleaning the kitchen I made myself comfortable on the couch to watch your weekly video. And this is when I realized how much I already got inspired by you! I love how you do your tasks totally focused. You not only mix some dough together ... you prepare a nice cup of tea first and light some candles. You make your space of work cozy and enjoyable. This is the most relaxing time of the day when I just start with one thing and find myself occupied for hours with creative ongoing, forgetting daily life for a bit. Sending you love and hugs from Malta, the tiny island in the midst of the Mediterranean Sea in the South of Europe.

It is almost a meditation to listen to you and your thoughts about life! Thank you so much for the time you dedicate to your videos and the moments you share!😘

I love watching you cook. I hope you'll do more of it in your videos. I can just imagine how heavenly your home smelled, with that cinnamon. Cinnamon evokes so many pure memories for me. I was strolling through Target yesterday & wandered over to the book aisle. I looked over to the cookbooks & lifestyle books & for a moment, I was looking for your book.... your book that isn't out yet. I hope one day, you'll do a lifestyle book with various crafts that you do. You are so splendid to watch. ~ Heather

What a lovely video, as always! I’m actually doing some reflecting and decluttering right now. Have a lovely week as well!

God! Your channel is so refreshing, you actually don't realize but you are sending very peaceful vibrations ,strong but peaceful . That one should always love the life they are given or make it nicer by your own efforts. A bit late in life but gradually i am trying to find my own happiness

You put this beautifully and with just caring and kindness. It is hard to be kind to oneself . Thank you for inspiration. I am 54 and just figuring out how to love myself and know it is OK to be content where I am. To resist the pressure to achieve more and more. I received my lovely order from your shop last week and am so excited to have one of your creations!

This video feels so real. I made a video about transforming comparison back in December and I was so in it that month. The anxiety around comparison is a bit weaker right now but I feel like comparison is THE lesson in my life. I’m really trying to imagine a world where instead of trying to set myself apart with comparison, comparison actually offers an opportunity to build connections and spawn creativity. It’s vulnerable to admire others openly. I’ve definitely not figured it all out and our world is often organized in a way where people profit from comparison, but at least awareness bring choice and choice brings freedom.

Oh Paola, you are so blessed. You’ve been and are such a blessing to others. It takes many of us that are older to realize how blessed we were when things we simpler and without oodles of things. When we enjoy the beauty around us that God created we are rich beyond measure. 💕🇺🇸

I saw one of the bunnies there! ❤ I want to let you know that when you send your good wishes at the end of each video, they come through as incredibly honest and heartfelt in a way it’s rather rare these days. You are an incredibly beautiful person. I wish you a beautiful day. ❤

I appreciate your gentle words..you feel like a wise young friend in a world so full of superficiality . Thank you.

Your videos always calm me down and put me in a good mood. Thank you for that.

This video came up right as I was comparing myself to my sister. I felt like I needed to watch it. Thank you.

Wow this hit home, I didn’t want their life , i wanted the happiness i believe they possessed, i have been so hard and cruel to myself

You are such a gentle, artistic soul and very sensitive. I am 71 years old and life has kicked me around a bit. I have had periods in my life of extreme stress and very heavy responsibility. I have always had a strong faith in God and I suppose that got me through. I am retired now and well beyond those earlier years. I am somewhat jaded by life, but I think that is just part of growing up. By God’s grace, I never doubted my ability to cope with it all. I “enjoy” life more now. I appreciate the little things and people a lot more with more time and less stress. Life “is what it is”. You just take it as it comes. They say ‘what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. My best advice…..Hang in there, find joy where you can, give what you can, but don’t be afraid to ‘ take’ when you need to. God gave you all you need to be what He created you to be and to do what He acted you to do. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

I have had to learn to stop comparing myself to others. Just accept who I am and what I have. I went back to school to get my Masters Degree in Health Administration hoping it would advance my career in the $100,000 and then the pandemic came and changed everything. I just want to live life and be happy with Gods blessings big and small. I started gardening in pandemic when grocery stores ran out of food. Your videos are so calming during this turmoil times we live in.

Being a woman one always feels a little unsure as we live in a world that says we must be perfect. But the older I get I realize life is more about accepting your individual uniqueness and just being who you are without any pretences. I am grateful every day to see the sun shine, the birds go about their days flitting & chirping their happiness, life is beautiful if we give thanks. The world is a beautiful place to be in. Hugs

Watching you planning your garden brought back a memory of my dad doing the same thing. Drawing out the plot, sorting out the crop rotation, looking through catalogues on long winter nights by the fire. My mum once said to him isn’t it a chore doing that every year. Turns out it was the best part for him 😊 It was a lovely memory to have back 💚

"Be Yourself, everyone else is already taken" Oscar Wilde

When I was in college, I thought when I graduated, everything would kind of...fall into place, and I would be happy in my career. That...hasn't happened. Instead, I find myself in jobs I hate, and I have been feeling like life is passing me by, but I am trying to focus on what matters to me.

Your life is really everything I dreamed of as a little girl and beyond. I was an artist too and wanted nothing more than to settle down in a cottage surrounded by green things and animals one day. I was obsessed with fairy tales and daydreams. In high school I succumbed to drug addiction though, and it led me down a ten year long destructive path that I deeply regret ever going down. Living in a big city, slowly forgetting who I was, and I lost my creativity too. All for some small fleeting escape. I am doing good now. Been clean for several years and have two amazing children. But it’s hard not to compare all the time. Constantly thinking about how my life would be different or better if I hadn’t taken the path I did. How much more I would have to offer my kids. All the things I could have been. I’m now approaching my mid-30’s and I struggle with this everyday. Constantly feeling like can’t appreciate what I have because I’m constantly aware that I could and should have achieved so much more. I hope it’s not too late for me to find my peace. Your videos really inspire me to connect with that inner child, that dreamer. I want to make her proud and create a life for myself that she would love.

I have wasted my time comparing myself to other people. Living my life to fit with the community I live in. Thank you for the reminders.

I’m always grateful for what I have and who I am 🙌🏻

Oh mu gosh thank you so much for making this video😭❤️ this is exactly the kind of content i need especially since lately I've been feeling very insecure with my looks, my progress in life and i found myself envying other people around me. Thank you so much!

It’s always so nice to see you and hear your voice… I’ve been battling a deep depression for nearly 15 years now and I changed a lot since the beginning of this silent disease that apparently came out of nowhere. I had to change my life entirely despite my efforts to try to cope with it. For me, the hardest part is the comparison between who I am now to whom I used to be. I can’t commit to much as I can’t predict how I’ll be in a near future, or can’t cope with the anxiety of the pressure of completing a task. I am working on accepting my new reality and putting all the means in place to overcome it, however it’s not been easy… Like you I came to my family to regain my strength. Anyway, I don’t know why I wrote all that in such a public space, but there you go… Love, F.

Dear Paola thank you very much for your sharing. It is really important not to lose yourself and support yourself as well as you can. Your words about internal dialogue deeply resonate for me. Unfortunately most of us are our own worst critics. You are right - leraning our patterns and traumas is a path but not a jump or switch.

Thanks, Paola. Your content has a therapeutic effect. I always listen to your videos while I am doing housework.