“Comparison is the thief of joy” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Why allow your joy to be stolen…
“Comparison is the thief of joy”
How often each day do you compare yourself to others? Quite a lot, no? Now, how often are those comparisons favorable to yourself? About the same amount? You are so not alone.
With all of the algorithm changes that keep happening, and the way that social media can often feel like an overwhelming field where one can feel as though they are almost an invisible, whispered voice amongst flashy screamers, comparison is designed to take place.
The worst part about this comparison is that it is all based in the negative. While competition can be a good thing, the fight for higher numbers, more likes, greater views, etc, is not healthy. As a matter of fact, on the whole it’s downright soul-crushing.
Dramatic, I know, but so true for so many. I know because I have been there, done that, still will most likely be tempted into doing it again later. It’s the trap that has been laid by social media.
There are ways around it, however. These ways involve changing how you decided to view your interactions and why you share. By disengaging from the negative and dis-heartening comparisons and choosing instead to go by your head and heart, you can engage with fun and joy.
When you find yourself making comparisons, instead of focusing on what you lack, maybe focus on the hard work that has been put in and use it as a positive goal for yourself. If someone you follow regularly makes you feel terrible, maybe stop following them for a while until you feel stronger in your own awesomeness (which totally exists, btw, and so wants to be known by you).
Stop sharing for others and start sharing for you. If you feel good about what you are putting out there, then you are doing amazing. It doesn’t matter if you have no followers or all the followers, the people who will get you and what you do are out there and they will find you so long as you keep sharing.
I forgot myself and my joy for too long on social media (Instagram, I’m looking at you). It was due to negative comparisons that ate way at my self-esteem and that gave me the worst case of the not-good-enoughs. As of late, however, I’ve felt a shift within myself, one that is having my say and believe that I am fine just as I am and that what I share is perfect for me. Instead of dreading having to curate a perfect, just-so feed for optimal likes and followers, I am simply doing what I enjoy and what feels right for me.
It’s so much more fun and there is a certain joy and whimsy and spontaneity that I am allowing to exist again. Sure, I may not have the likes but I like it and that’s all that matters!
Comparison is everywhere in life and while it can be a good things sometimes, more often than not it’s a trigger that steals joy. The thing is, it doesn’t have to steal your joy any more – not so long as you choose for something else. How will you decide to stop letting comparison steal your joy today?
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
~ Check my Instagram on Mondays for Inspirational quotes and every day for a little jolt of happiness!
Lawhimsy 