Stop F*cking Comparing

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend and really had a chance to love on yourself. I hope you've gotten some valuable insight on how important it is to take care of yourself over the past month. As we're wrapping it up, there's one final thing I want to discuss with the whole premise of showing up for yourself, and that is, comparing.

I'm not going to lie, I have been so guilty of this. I have held myself back in so many areas of my life because I've compared myself and my timeline to others and theirs. In many ways, I'm sure I had to do that in order to be where I am today. And in order for me to stop, I had to take a good, hard look at myself and my insecurities and even unfollow certain social media accounts because they were taking a toll on my mental health. I would constantly feel like I was not good enough. So I am speaking from experience. Here are five very dangerous side effects from comparing.

• Negative Self-Esteem: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to negative self-esteem. If you perceive others as being more successful, attractive, or accomplished, it can make you feel inadequate or unworthy. This negative self-perception can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth. 

• Jealousy and Resentment: Comparison often breeds jealousy and resentment. If you find yourself consistently measuring your own worth against that of others, you may start to harbor negative emotions towards those who seem to be doing better than you. These emotions can strain relationships and hinder your ability to genuinely appreciate the successes of others.

• Lack of Personal Growth: Constantly comparing yourself to others can distract you from your own personal growth and development. Instead of focusing on your own goals, passions, and journey, you may become fixated on trying to meet someone else's standards. This can hinder your ability to discover and pursue your true potential.

• Unrealistic Standards: Comparisons often lead to unrealistic standards. People tend to showcase their best moments on social media or in public, creating a skewed perception of their lives. Comparing yourself to these curated versions of others can set unrealistic expectations for your own life, leading to dissatisfaction and a sense of failure. (Guilty)

• Limited Happiness: Comparison can rob you of genuine happiness. If you constantly measure your success and happiness against others, you may never feel truly content with what you have achieved. This perpetual pursuit of someone else's version of success can and will, prevent you from appreciating and enjoying your own accomplishments and the unique path you are on.

It's important to recognize and appreciate your own strengths, achievements, and journey without constantly comparing them to others. Everyone has their own unique path, and focusing on your individual growth and happiness is key to a more fulfilling life. The best place to live is to be just a little better than you were the day before. Let your own light be your guide.

All my love, 

Lindsay M