We all do it. At one time or another, we sit and think, "Why can I not be like her?" or "Why does this happen to just me?" It is basic human nature to compare ourselves to the people around us even though we do not know what is really going on in their head.

Each and every one of us has this ideal image in our heads that we long and strive to achieve.

"My stomach doesn't look as flat as so and so" or "How can she do everything without failing." We all compare.

And sometimes, we do it when we least expect it.

But, how do we stop comparing and enjoy what we have right in front of us?

Think to yourself. Sure, so and so may have really nice hair, but who knows what she is dealing with on the inside? Maybe she does not even like her hair or maybe she is super insecure about it.

NO ONE KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE THINKING INSIDE BESIDES YOU!

You may idolize this socialite, but in reality, you do not know what is going through his/her mind. People fail to realize that these celebs are human. Sure, their lives are more publicized and they have money to easily fix the imperfections they wish to get rid of, but they are human! Chances are, they are overwhelmed and unhappy sometime or another too.

Everyone has issues and imperfections.

Something you dislike about yourself, someone else wishes they had or loves.

We must be grateful for what we have and understand that things happen for a reason.

I can concede that I am guilty of constantly comparing myself to the people around me. "Why does school come so easily to them?" or "Why do I have a learning disability and they do not. But what I continuously find myself realizing is that comparing does not make me feel better. My mind begins to race and I start to conjure up thoughts and situations in my head. My anxiety gets the best of me and in the end, I make myself feel even worse than I originally did.

Comparing our lives to others is normal.

So why do we do it?

We do it because we think that it will make us feel better, but in the end, it is only making us unhappy.

We all have things we do not like about ourselves and wish we could change. But these differences make us who we are.

Remember that we must love ourselves and our "insecurities" each and every day. No matter what.

You are the only you in this world. No one can be YOU!

SO BE YOU. ACCEPT YOUR DIFFERENCES. BE BRAVE.

Chances are, someone is sitting and wishing they had what you had.