If you had seen me on the day I auditioned for New York City’s High School of Music and Art, you’d have never known I was a knot of nerves inside because my body knew the motions.
My eyes looked straight ahead and my feet nearly ran down the hall towards the audition room in what I hoped, would be my new school in the fall.
My mind focused on the music I’d chosen to sing and remembering the lyrics.
Yet, halfway down that hallway, my focus hit a brick wall.
It happened when I saw Janie, another soprano in the Brooklyn choral group I belonged to. She was there to audition, also, and I knew Janie, could sing higher than I could.
“Hi, Janie.”
She said a quiet “Hi” back and I continued down the hall, never missing a step.
But from that moment on until I handed the accompanist my sheet music, a mass of thoughts about Janie’s voice versus mine raced through my brain like a virus.
Not until this concluding (and ridiculous) thought came to me, Julie Andrews and Aretha Franklin sing really great, so both of us may as well go home! did I stop reflecting on Janie’s considerable gifts and concentrate on sharing my unique own.
I sang my three songs with everything I had and did the Snoopy Dance when I read my acceptance letter a few weeks later. (Janie got accepted, too.)
Self-comparison is a self-defeating waste of time. Because of it, we:
- Don’t bother applying for a promotion because a co-worker has more experience or education.
- Decide against submitting an article for publication online because we’re a novice among already published writers.
- Risk doing poorly at an audition where we’ve psyched ourselves out of doing our best after observing other performers do well (ahem).
May I suggest that, instead, you “look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you?” (Proverbs 4:25 (NLT)
And please keep singing your song, playing your piano, and writing those chapters with all the gusto the Spirit gives you.
Never compare your talents to those of others. Run your race. There is no one else like you and you’re the only one who can.
The only competition worthy a wise man is with himself.
– British author, Anna Brownell Jameson
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
– Romans 12:1 (NLT)
Do you ever compare your skills or talents with those of others? How has it affected you?
COUNTRY OF THE MONTH CELEBRATION
🐉 Wales and St. David’s Day
Did you know March 1st is St. David’s Day—Wales’ national holiday?
What is Wale’s claim to fame?
For one thing, Wales is deeply important to the United Kingdom, historically and culturally.
The heir to the throne traditionally becomes the Prince or Princess of Wales, highlighting its significance. The title reflects Wales’ vital role in the nation’s identity, unity, and centuries-old royal traditions.
So St. David’s Day (or Dydd Gŵyl Dewi, in Welsh) is an ideal opportunity to soak up a little Welsh culture.
Such is the case whether that means diving into its rich history, humming along to its legendary music, or (my personal favorite) baking up something delicious!
🌿 Fun Facts About Wales:
- 🏰 Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country—over 600! Talk about a fairytale destination.
- 🎶 It’s called the “Land of Song” because of its deep-rooted choral traditions. If you’ve ever heard a Welsh choir sing, you know why!
📖 “To be born in Wales, not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with music in your blood and poetry in your soul, is a privilege indeed.”
– Brian Harris, Welsh poet
🐉 Join the Celebration! Pick or buy some daffodils and create a small bouquet to brighten your work area or entryway. The daffodil is Wales’ national flower!
TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
🥞 Pancake Tuesday
Alright, friends—March 4, 2025, is Pancake Tuesday! 🎉
The day is also known as Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in France and Louisiana, U.S.A. Whatever we call it, Pancake Tuesday is the perfect excuse to whip up a stack (or five) before the Lenten season begins.
But here’s the fun part—pancakes aren’t just a thing in the U.S. or Western Europe. Cultures all over the world have their delicious take on this classic treat!
🌍
- France: Crêpes—delicate, paper-thin, and ready to be stuffed with chocolate, jam, or even ham and cheese.
- Japan: Okonomiyaki—savory, cabbage-filled goodness topped with a rich sauce.
- Ethiopia: Injera—a spongy, tangy flatbread that’s both a pancake and an edible plate!
- Russia: Blini—fluffy little beauties often paired with sour cream or caviar.
- Mexico: Hotcakes—thick, sweet pancakes, sometimes drizzled with condensed milk.
🥄 Why Pancakes on This Day?
Way back when, Shrove Tuesday was all about using up rich ingredients—eggs, butter, and sugar—before Lent.
Over time, pancakes became the tradition, and in some places (like England), pancake races became part of the fun.
Yes, people literally run while flipping pancakes in a pan! The famous Olney Pancake Race has been happening since 1445!
🥞 In consideration of St. David’s Day, let’s celebrate this Pancake Tuesday by preparing Welsh Cakes!
Also called Welsh Currant Cakes or Welsh Griddle Cakes, these lightly spiced, buttery little delights are griddle-cooked to golden perfection and filled with currants.
Think of them as a cross between a scone and a cookie—perfect with tea!
I’ve put together a classic Welsh Cakes recipe so you can whip up a batch and celebrate St. David’s Day the tastiest way possible.
👉 Grab Your Welsh Cakes Recipe HERE!
A Quote to Flip By:
“All you need is love. But a little pancake now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz
🥞😊
🐉 There you have it—a true story I hope will prove helpful to you and a delicious way to enJoy Welsh culture.
Remember, everything I’m sharing with you comes from my own experience. So, there’s no frou-frou or impractical ideas—just simple, proven strategies you can put into action in your life and home today.
To your success!
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