“Comparison is the thief of all joy.”
Many have heard this, but they struggle with living it out. Comparison has become such a prevalent topic today and has caused people everywhere to have lower self-esteem, eating disorders or even commit suicide.
Why is it that we compare ourselves to others? Well, because no matter how great we have it, we always want more, and we never see ourselves how others see us. Someone can tell us that we are pretty, thin, or have a great body, but until we believe this ourselves, the compliments and kind words are pointless. But how can we quit comparing ourselves to others so much? Well, I’ve got a few tips for you that may just help.
1. Surround yourself with people who love you just the way you are.
We all have several friends. You know which friends make you feel good about yourself, and you know the ones who leave you sitting around wishing you were more like them after you hang out. Choose to spend time with those who make you feel good about yourself.
2. Remember Psalm 139:14.
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” This is a commonly known verse, but it sure gets overlooked. The Lord made us the way we are for a reason. Maybe we don’t understand that reason, but he sees us perfectly and would not change one thing about us. He sees the flaws we see in ourselves as little perfections he created.
3. Turn negativity into love.
When you find yourself pointing out flaws, whether it is in the mirror or in a crowd of people, instead of thinking negatively, take a moment and turn those thoughts of flaws into love. Every time you are giving yourself a beating, stop. Take a deep breath and, instead, point out something you feel confident about. Maybe you are having a good hair day, maybe your earrings make your eyes pop. Whatever it is find some way to give yourself some love!
4. You are alive and well.
Many around the world are dealing with issues of poverty, starvation and serious health issues, and many are homeless and on the street. We are beyond lucky to live the way we do because odds are, if you are reading this, it is on a computer or an iPhone, and to even have devices like these makes us rather fortunate. Remember how blessed you are, and think to yourself, "Is it really worth my time to compare my body or life to someone else’s when things so much worse are going on around the world?"
5. With the way we are designed, we will always strive for more. It’s part of our competitive nature.
No matter how much we have, something will always be there that keeps us reaching for bigger and better. You have two options. The first is to be grateful for what you have and strive to better yourself in different areas like service, being a better friend, or living a life you won’t want to change when it becomes your time to go upstairs. Or, the second choice, you can wish to be more hipster, trendy, skinny, pretty, popular, etc. But if you take this option, chances are that you will never be satisfied. I encourage you to see the positive in each day. Find something. Remember that beauty comes from within, and often a pretty face hides a multitude of problems and insecurities within. “Pretty is as pretty does.”
Let your soul shine, and show the world that a pretty soul is much better than just a pretty exterior. There will always be ups and downs; this is what makes life go on. But next time you are down, try to find something you like about yourself. Yes, this may be difficult, but it might lift your mood. Always remember: People are special in their own way, and that’s what makes this world remarkable. We all have something different and something beautiful to offer.
"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." –Zen Shin
