Welfare Wednesday: Comparison

🧡 I once heard that comparison is the thief of joy (thank you Theodore Roosevelt) and it stuck with me. It doesn’t mean that I don’t do it...in fact, as I’m writing this, my own joy has been diluted through comparing myself to another.

🧡 Who have you compared yourself to in the last 24 hours? Think of the last time you checked Facebook or Instagram. Which updates made you feel envious, or made you feel as if your life paled in comparison? Or, did any posts make you feel smug, or better than that person? It works both ways!

🧡 We’ve all been there and it’s not fun. We shouldn’t do it.

🧡 Comparisons are always unfair. By definition it requires a measurement in someway and that’s not how life works. It steals our time and without a doubt, you can never win, but you can lose. Importantly, all too often, it results in resentment and deprives us of joy. I can relate on all those points on so many levels!

🧡 It helps to be aware of your triggers. Knowing what can make you feel unworthy means you can try to distance yourself from it in the hopes of avoiding the comparison. No matter what, you can never be compared to how someone else presents themselves...and you never know the full extent of what someone else has been through.

🧡 If all else fails, try to reflect on the person you are comparing yourself to and put something you admire about them into practice. If you love their style, buy a new top. If you love their study technique, apply it to your own life. Use the comparison for motivation to change what actually matters.

🧡 Remember: There’s no comparison between the sun and moon. They shine when it’s their turn.