Inspiration vs Competition

I've recently reconnected with a friend from high school. It's funny when that happens, because inevitably, you're forced to have the awkward "hey, how have the last ten years been treating you?" conversation. As I've had more and more re-connections with her, I've realized that the things that made me want to be her friend in high school are still there, and I want to be her friend again! :) I don't know why it would surprise me so much, but it does. I know that friendships go through different stages, and that they enter and leave your life for different reasons -- many of which are not malicious at all -- but it is unexpected. It's like up here in SJ, when I'm driving, I run into the 85 all over the place. It kind of snakes around, so you can run into it twice on the same road. That's what I feel like has happened with this friend. I got off the 85, drove around for a bit, and then got on at another cross street.

I've been reading a lot about her life, and it has inspired me to do some things. She recently tried out for a play, and obviously made it bc she's super talented. I thought about that for a long time, not out of jealousy, but pure admiration. That another stay-at-home-mom could just go out and grab the things she wanted in such a simple way was very validating and justifying to me. So I did a google search for a choir, found one, and auditioned. Not because I want to compete with this friend, but because her actions made me believe I could do something cool. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? ....right???

But I can't shake the feeling that sometimes, my form of "flattery" is just obnoxious. I'm surrounded by a lot of awesome, capable friends who know how to reach for the things they want. I feel like I am constantly thinking, "WOW. I should try to do that!" But, is that stealing someone's thunder? I consider it being inspired, but is it actually just annoying?