I wonder how often we underestimate ourselves?

I did a reading the other night for a book I am in called “Shades of Blue,” where people would introduce me to others and I’d think “I sound really awesome.” People think I’ve done so much, AM DOING so much – but most days I am just sitting here on my sofa in my pajamas at 2 pm, without even having brushed my hair or teeth or put on a shirt.

But maybe I have done a lot? Maybe I am doing a lot? Maybe we can’t see ourselves clearly?

Maybe we always feel like we aren’t doing enough. My tattoo on my arm there by Conscious Ink says enough. Maybe we are doing enough?

Why do others see us so differently than we see ourselves? I know that I make a difference, in some small ways at least, but a lot of times I feel like a sloth with side boob. I’m just wondering what it would be like to see ourselves through other’s eyes for one day.

I think a lot of us feel like frauds, like we’ve pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes. “Oh, if they only knew the REAL me, they wouldn’t think I was so great.” My epiphany on this sunny Sunday is this: I think that’s a lie.

I think the real us is the best us and sitting on your sofa is a good idea, sometimes. Sometimes the very best idea. And that “doing a lot” is sometimes the biggest crock of sh*t there is.

Maybe my greatest ideas happen when I’m being a sloth? Maybe this is how I fuel myself so I can go out into the world and lead and teach and make mistakes and do love.

Today, don’t underestimate yourself. @JenPastiloff (Click to Tweet!)

The best way to do that is by not comparing yourself to anyone else. The best way to do that is to get out of your head. It’s a bad neighborhood, anyway.

In my estimation: you are rad.

I may or may not get up off this sofa.

Last reminder: most of the stuff you see on Instagram and social media is curated and fake. Not all. But the books are just so, the candids aren’t so candid, the perfect moments are staged. Not all. But a lot. What you miss is the photos that show you the “here’s what the f*ck I’ve done today: nothing” kind of moments.

And those, my friends, are happening. Not everyday is productive, busy, perfect.

Some days just are.

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My Italy retreat for next Sep is invite only so email me at info@jenniferpastiloff.com! I will be in Tampa and Vancouver in January. Make sure to give me a hug if you come. All workshops here.  Also, my New Year’s Retreat in Ojai, Calif is almost sold out so book now here! I will be back at Kripalu in Feb, too. Join me on instagram at @jenpastiloff and @GirlPowerYouAreEnough. xoxo


Jen leads retreats that are a combo of yoga/writing and for ALL levels. Read this post to understand. Click here for all retreat listings and workshops to attend one in a city near you (Atlanta, NYC, St. Louis, London, Chicago & more, are next). Jen is the guest speaker 3 times a year at Canyon Ranch and leads an annual retreat to Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health every February, as well as an annual invite only retreat to Tuscany. She is the founder of the popular The Manifest-Station website. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. She is the founder of Girl Power: You Are Enough.