Comparison can Overwhelm

Comparison can Weaken the Heart and Overwhelm the Mind.

Have you ever caught yourself in the comparison trap where you compare yourself to others to determine how well you are doing? Comparisons are everywhere and they start early in life–in homes, churches, schools and workplaces. When you are on the losing end, it feels bad but when you are on the winning end it feels good–until the next time the comparison monster shows up!

It always helps me to remember truth. So, what do we know to be true? Each of us has value and are good enough because we are made in the image of God and we are His. Each of us has a purpose and unique talents and gifts that are valuable to this world.

An image of beautiful, unique snowflake comes to mind. Each is unique; each is beautiful. Who would dare compare one snowflake against another? They are all beautiful. Especially when they come together in unity laying a beautiful white blanket of snow over our world.

Shame doesn’t come from God … it can lead to resentment and bitterness …

It also helps me to be acutely aware of the expectations I have of myself and whose values I live by, so that if comparison raises its ugly head I can coach myself to think in more helpful ways. Am I truly embracing God’s values or the world’s values based on: age, gender, beauty, financial worth, popularity, career success, marital status, number of children, who we know or hob-knob with, etc.?

It is bad enough when others compare us, but when we do it to ourselves, it can bring shame into our lives. Shame doesn’t come from God … it can lead to resentment and bitterness.

Performing regular self-check-in’s help me evaluate if I’m present in the moment. I can tell if I’m present or not by what I am thinking or by becoming aware of the inner dialogue that may be going on in my head when someone is sharing their news. For when I can stay present with another who is sharing a success, and express genuine gratitude and joy for them, it saves me from the unhelpful thoughts that reinforce a false belief that I may have fallen short of who I am meant to be and where I should be in life.

And, instead, I can choose to embrace my full identity and purpose despite any of my challenges or limitations.