On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

In her recent release, Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace, bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab shares inspiring advice for setting boundaries, rising above drama, and expressing ourselves with clarity and integrity. Here’s a thought-provoking reflection:

Stay on your side of the street.

Visiting botanical gardens is one of my favorite pastimes. Large gardens require lots of care and attention. Instead of trying to increase the size of my own garden, I’m satisfied with admiring the lush escapes of the beautiful gardens across the nation.

Sometimes, the lives of others can seem so attractive that you’ll start to believe you are supposed to do the same thing. You will know it’s wrong for you, however, when you do it and immediately find yourself feeling dissatisfied.

Find where you have talents, and go after what you enjoy. Don’t buy into the idea that to be satisfied, you must do or have what others do or have. Rather than mimic others, find what is unique to you.

Source: Consider This, p. 63.