The Problem With ComparisonSpotted recently on a friend's Facebook page, this caught my attention.
Oh, is this ever true.
Whenever I find myself tempted to compare something I've achieved or something about myself with another person or their accomplishment, I can literally feel the joy seeping away from me. You'll always be able to find someone smarter, more talented, more accomplished, prettier, funnier, something just better.
So, I've learned to stop. (Well mostly...telling myself, oh don't go there, when I start down this path!)
Because of the above, and because of what follows:
Another downfall of comparison (when you find yourself coming up on the short end), is the tendency to then want to find fault with the other person or accomplishment, simply to make ourselves feel better.
It's just not worth it, is it?
39 comments:
Not worth it! Encouraging others in their passion is abounding with joy and adds beauty to others as well as to ourselves. Thank you for your honesty and sweet reminder.
xoxo michele
Amen. Hugs, Marty
Good point, not only for ourselves but I think as parents too. It is easy to do but we will always feel something is unattainable because as you said there will always be someone smarter, richer, prettier, more cultured,etc....its a losing battle. It is important for us to try and celebrate who we are and only compare ourselves to reaching our personal best. Thanks!
Great reminder Janell and so true!! Nothing can steal your joy when you are being who YOU were meant to be. I am always bringing myself back to that. I have never known a person to feel badly after they have encouraged {and you do!} instead of compared themselves to someone else. Great to share with my boys too. Thank you!!
Michelle
Pinning :)
xo Jana
here here
Indeed this is true my friend! We must never compare our light and inner beauty with the journey of others, it can lead to envy and depression, no no no!! We must breathe deeply and find our own joy in the simplest of things and the loved ones around us. And when we do study others we need to do it only to be inspired so that we too can become even greater.
xoxo
Kate
I've stopped making my differences with others something that should be compared. I appreciate others gifts and know that mine are just as valuable. Judgement is overrated and life is so much more enjoyable when your just trying to be your best.
What a wonderful quote! It's so applicable to so many aspects of life. And it's so important that we recognize that the beauty in life is that we all have something different to offer. What would be the fun of life if we were all the same?
such GOOD words!!!
Totally not worth it. I am going to repeat your posted quote. Chant it. Smile when I say it.
You speak the truth, oh wise one!!! xo Kathysue
Great saying and oh so true!!!
ain't it the truth!
SO simple. So true. The second I begin to compare, I feel instantly deflated. Such a waste of emotion and the quickest way to devalue our own accomplishments. Nice reminder.
It's not worth it, and these are great words to be reminded of ~ and we all need these reminders :)
Thanks Janell!
xoxo
So simple and so true, but often hard to remember. Life is too short, thanks for the reminder.
This is so true! But so easy to fall into that trap, especially if you've ever heard the words growing up "why can't you be more like your sister?" if you happen to be acting up or being scolded. That's where the comparison starts.
Great wisdom to share. Thank you Janell. Happy sunny Sunday!
I do this all too often especially in blog world. I am working hard to define myself and learn not to compare to others.
How do I get that on a throw pillow?
I need this on my front door!!! Great post and reminder!
Hope you're having a great Sunday!
Love this, Janell! Thanks for sharing it, it's nice to be reminded...
Excellent post, excellent reminder! Especially important for those of us that blog, share, put ourselves out on the world wide web for critique/scrutiny!
Thanks for sharing!!
so true!
I think I'll print this out to share with young girls. I hate the comparison game they play and am determined to give confidence to each one I touch.
amen, girl!
ashley
Wow!! Those words really struck a chord with me, as well as your reflections. Wise words indeed.
Wow!! Those words really struck a chord with me, as well as your reflections. Wise words indeed.
So very true! Thank you so very much for sharing this! It is something we all need to be reminded of. By the way, your blog is truely inspirational!
So true, what a great reminder! Very well said, Janell!
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
This is so true! Thanks you for this reminder today, Janell.
Have a good one,
Lori
www.lorimayinteriors.com/blog
Having been an actress in my past when the entire job is being compared and rejected because someone is better or more suited for the job this was hard. I learned that the best way to handle it was to truly care and wish well to every woman in that room that wanted what I wanted, and to share their happiness if they got it.
Amazing words from an amazing person!! Instead of compare I like to be inspired by others and use them as a benchmark to either improve or reflect on my life! There is always someone better, richer, or smarter than you... Don't compare you are only going to defeat yourself!
Thanks for the inspiration on a Monday morning!
Tiffany {Living Savvy}
Thanks so much for sharing. As a small business owner it's tough sometimes to feel like the little fish in the big pond. I really needed these words to refocus and reclaim my joy.
A great reminder. Very wise. Thank you.
So important to remember. Thanks!
Such a great reminder - I could totally relate to "the joy seeping out of me" comment! It does no good at all and probably the person we are envying has the same insecurities so it never pays off! Great post. :)
thanks for posting this, it really resonated with me: http://blush-n-bashful.blogspot.com/2011/08/comparison.html
your blog is one of my favorites!
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