Over these last few weeks I have been doubting myself about many things, but most of all what I want to do. What do I want to pursue apart from being a (hot!) wife and an (awesome!) mom? What is my purpose?

Writing has given me an outlet to help me cope with some hard and difficult situations, but also to have fun! I thoroughly enjoy sharing these tips and tricks of my daily routines with others. I have said this again and again, but I truly want for This Elegant Life to be an outlet to others who need love and support.

Each day, I have found that I am comparing myself to others. I see all these beautiful people on social media who seem to have it all. Beautiful homes, cute families, all the clothes they could ever want—and they seem to have no problem buying more. I find myself thinking I “need” all of that.

Do I dream of buying a beautiful home one day and getting out of renting this small “house” we live in? Absolutely. But why do I always feel like I need more? That I need to be like everyone else?

If we all looked and did the same things, life would be beyond boring. Yet we are always comparing ourselves and striving to look and be like others. Why are we not content with what we’re given? Comparing ourselves to others tends to create jealousy, anger, fear and doubt. Those are ugly things that I don’t want to become, yet I find myself there more often than I would like to admit.

I have goals. Big ones. My desire is to have This Elegant Life be a place of support, fun, and hope for people. But I question daily whether I should put effort into this. “Who would want to read my crap when there are thousands of amazing and talented bloggers out there? There is nothing special about me.”

Then I take a few steps back and remind myself that life isn’t about numbers—financially or otherwise. It’s not about dollars or social media followers. Life is precious. If I love to write, which I do, then I am going to do so whether I have one person reading this blog or hundreds. Finding something that inspires a person and makes them truly happy is what defines us and makes us who we are. It helps us grow, love, and be content and proud of who we are.

Let’s face it, I love the finer things in life. Sometimes to a fault. But, at the end of each day, the person I love deeply—the one that I lay next to each night—is the most important. The people that I come home to are what matter most.

During this holiday season, take the time to love on those around you. Those who are always there for you, no matter what. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle-and-bustle of gift guides, hot lattes and having the newest iPhone. I’m very guilty of it (I mean, seriously, the picture quality on the new iPhone? Come on!). In reality though, these things don’t make us who we are.

Tis the season to fall on our knees and be thankful for all that we have. Sometimes we overlook those things because we’re constantly looking for the next best thing. When all the while, the most precious things in life are right in front of us.