Comparison is the Thief of Joy

As the quote says, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Yet we do it all the time, especially us women! We see what's posted on social media, and compare ourselves, our children, our homes, our jobs, our businesses, our marriages, and our lives to someone else's highlight reel.

Even though we know, deep down, and maybe personally, that their life, is not remotely that put together. Their house is not that clean. They just fought with their spouse. Their kids, while great, are not perfect. Yeah, they have a job, but they hate it or their business is struggling, 

So, why do we do it? Why do we look at someone else's life, and wish it were ours? Why do we want their straight hair, when we get compliments on our curly hair all the time? Yes, me! Honestly, why? Sometimes, we look at other people's middle and compare it to our beginning. We watch their social media and hope they will share the raw and real; the down and dirty side of their lives, because then, and only then, will we feel like we're not so far behind, not such a hot mess. 

We all do it. Even if we say we don't, we do! At least if we're being honest with ourselves and others, we do. I know I do. I know I feel like a failure in life, sometimes. Especially, when I look around at other business pages or Instagram. Although I've worked hard to eliminate my insecurities in these areas, they're still there, even on my best days! I mean, I'm only human!

It's not something I'm proud of, and I'm sure you're not either. Of course, if you've done this? Maybe you haven't. I don't know. However, I don't know many women who don't play the comparison game. If you're not one of these women, good for you. Keep it up! If you are, and I suspect most are, including me, we have work to do. 

I don't know about you, but I've learned that the comparison game steals your joy. It steals your accomplishments. It steals the desire to celebrate other women; and the things they've accomplished. Ultimately, comparing our everything to everyone else's everything, leaves us feeling sad, angry, overwhelmed, and unsatisfied with the blessings and gifts we have. It takes away from all that God has gifted us with. And it gives the devil a foothold in our lives. A foothold that will create more sadness, anger, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction. 

As a Christian woman, the last thing I should want to do is give the devil a foothold, stand in judgment, or take away from another's accomplishments. I also want to have joy in my life; so I know I need to steer clear of the comparison game. So, this blog is as much, or more for me than you.

Anyway, thanks for being on this crazy journey with me, and thanks to the women in my life who don't judge me, and celebrate my accomplishments. We are better together. 

XOXO Melissa