It’s human nature to want to compare ourselves to others. Whatever we do, it never seems to be good enough because in our minds we know that there is always someone out there who “has it better”.

We compare our bodies, personalities, lives, and pretty much anything that we aren’t completely satisfied with; and, of course, the media does not make this comparison game any easier. However, the problem with this is that by comparing yourself to others, you are setting yourself up to enter a constant cycle of negativity…

There’s something to be said about re-shaping your thoughts. Yes, someone else may be stunning and beautiful, but that does not mean you are not. Yes, someone else may seem to have a better job than you but that does not mean they are happier or that their life is better.

“Comparison if the thief of joy.” —Theordore Roosevelt. It could not be more accurate. We are so caught up in a world constantly reinforcing us to join the comparison bandwagon that we forget we are sacrificing our own happiness in return. If you think about it, at the end of our lives is it really going to matter if the girl sitting next us in history had clearer skin?

When you turn your gaze inward and see all the things you have to offer the world, comparing yourself to others will no longer serve a purpose. Realize that true happiness comes when you are able to accept yourself for who you are and when you show what you have to give to the world.

As you seek to take hold of your life and to begin to love yourself, it can be very useful for you to ask why you were comparing yourself to others. There is usually a reason behind your impulse. The sooner you can identify with that reason, the sooner you can begin working towards accepting and appreciating who you are. There’s no need to compare yourself to others, because no matter what you are never going to be that other person.

That in itself should make you feel worthy of celebration. By learning to say “no” to comparing you will find that your confidence and self-esteem will increase as well. Always remember that confidence and self-acceptance are so powerful. Yes, it takes time to build up, but it is definitely worth it and can be accomplished.

Remember that you are beautiful because you have so much to show and give to the world. Your character, your attitude, your uniqueness; that’s something to be proud of.

You were born to be beautiful, born to be you, and that’s exactly who you should celebrate.