This post is inspired by my daughters and how, even at their tender ages of 10 and 12, they already have a very keen sense of how they compare to the world around them… and to each other.

Who is taller? Who has shinier hair? Who has the better grades? Who is more popular at school?

Walking in on my girls while they get ready in the morning I often overhear: “I may be shorter, but I’m faster”, “I’m older so I’m naturally smarter”, “I have way better hair than you”.

And when they can’t agree who’s better at this or that, they end up coming to me, “Mommy, whose dress do you like more?” or “Who is better at school?” and such questions. They might as well be asking, “Mommy, who is the better daughter?” (and believe me, they did ask that once!).

This may seem silly at this age, but even as adults, have you ever found yourself comparing yourself to others? Or comparing someone to another person?

“I can’t believe she wore that to work! I would never dress like that!”, or “Did you hear how he spoke to the boss? What was he thinking?”, or whatever it is you compare yourself to.

Why do we do this?

Does the comparison bring you more joy? Does it increase your happiness? Does it add value to your days?

The coming days, take note when you find yourself comparing. Even if it’s something simple like comparing your clothes, or comparing the kinds of cars people drive, or how they talk or walk or stand.

How does it feel? What kind of thoughts run through your head?

Now, make a conscious effort to stop comparing. See if you can view others simply as they are. What if you just appreciated them…without any comparison to yourself or to others.

How would you feel then? What kind of thoughts come up instead?

Have a great day!

Stress Release Tip

Comparing yourself to others can be a big stressor. You’ll either never measure up, or have an over-inflated ego. No one likes to hang out with either. So this week, instead of thinking you’re too thin, too fat, too shy, too loud, too this, too that — just BE. Spend some time alone to appreciate who you are – despite being so very different in comparison to others!

Mindful Moment

Don’t let superficial comparisons steal your joy. The next time you notice yourself comparing, or you overhear someone making an unfriendly comparison, take yourself out of that thought process by breathing in deeply then breathing out love and acceptance. The world will be a much happier place!

Quote From Dana

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
– Theodore Roosevelt