Comparison is the thief of joy
“Comparison is the thief of joy”…words of wisdom my mama has often said that keep me musing.
The origin of this famous quote is said to have come from Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt was someone who viewed life with a joyful attitude, was innovative and ahead of his time, and is widely regarded as the first modern President of the United States.
What does “comparison is the thief of joy” mean in the day to day in 2021?
What are the effects that comparison can have on our sense of self-worth?
And what are the factors that enable comparison; for example: the toxicity that can come with Social Media. Let’s take a look at the effects of comparison, and the steps we can take to protect and preserve our sense of self and our true worth.
The comparison monster has been around since the beginning of time, dating back to Adam and Eve wanting the one thing that they couldn't have. I can imagine the cave men being effected by the comparison monster, comparing their lot with those of their cave neighbours. Have you ever found yourself comparing elements of your life to others? Your body, hair, home, clothes, car, marriage or material things?
Firstly, let’s lay out some facts… what people display on the outside, is often not what’s really going on, on the inside. We can never truly know what is happening behind closed doors in other peoples private lives, nor can we truly know the journey they have taken to get to where they are today, and so we should never compare…or judge for that matter.
Whenever we compare parts of our lives to others, we are literally taking our own joy and shutting the door to opportunity. We are stealing our own sparkle, and only really hurting the one person that matters most…you! Want to know the secret ingredient to eliminate the comparison monster?
Are you ready for it…gratitude! When we focus on gratitude and the blessings we have in our own lives, we naturally and effortlessly allow the window of opportunity to open and the blessings to flow through in abundance. So, my amazing, gorgeous glitterbombs... get your gratitude on, open up your metaphorical golden butterfly wings (or actual wings, if you have some handy), and allow your inner sparkle to light up the world with your unique glow and innate super powers that only you posses!
More ways to overcome comparison:
Focus on your strengths - write down your top 5 strengths
Know your values - write down your top 3 values
Celebrate your uniqueness - there is only one you and the world needs you and your super powers
Celebrate other peoples personal gifts, achievements and successes… empowered women empower women
Be your own best friend - practice kindness with YOUrself first and foremost
Stay in your sparkle lane - keep faithfully focused on your hopes, goals and dreams
