Affirmation Pie

Thanks to Kim for putting this in front of my eyes.

When I was a kid, I could do anything, and anything I did was the best. It didn't mean that what others did was not the best, too; I could share that glory with others without losing any value. My parents were the best, I made the best snickerdoodles, my brother drew the best boats, I made the best forts, the woods in the back of my house were the best... and if you had been my friend back then, you and everything you did were the best, too.

Now I compare. I often hear myself speaking a different type of affirmation: I'm not as good at (insert drawing, photography, practically anything in life) as (insert friend/associate/practically any stranger on the street). Was life really that harsh on me from the time of my childhood "I'm the best and so are you" confidence to my grown-uppish "Man, I wish I was that cool"  attitude? Or is it that along the timeline of my existence I began mimicking how others acted, picking up on the cultural norm that often confuses self-confidence with owning a little too large of an ego?

Sure, keep eating the humble pie. It's good for you. But stop after one slice.