Why Comparison Isn’t The Answer.

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Why

As a blogger, I love writing posts that I would love to read myself.

I love when bloggers are vulnerable and really share whatever is on their heart with their readers. I always have something to say – as if you guys didn’t figure that out already! There’s a boatload of topics that I hope to eventually discuss on my blog. Today’s discussion is going to be on the topic of comparison.

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This is something we’re all guilty of. Whether it’s comparing how big our lunch is in contrast to our friends tiny fruit bowl, or how you don’t have the newest iPhone like your cousin does. Comparison is greedy; it never gets enough. It always wants more and more!

We’re all on different paths in our lives. All 7 billion of us.

Comparison is a thief of gratitude. It takes away your being thankful and makes you bitter and envious. Being bitter towards others that have what you wish you had is never the answer. These words are so much more easier said than done; this I know firsthand.

I’ve compared my life to so many other peoples, so many times! I’ve compared my body to an airbrushed supermodel on the cover of a magazine. I’ve compared my friendship I’d had for 3+ years that had drifted apart to people posting selfies with their BFF’s of 20 years on Twitter. I’ve compared both my grandfathers having already passed on to my friends grandpa celebrating his 85th birthday.

See where I’m going with this?

Reading those comparisons probably made you feel sad, maybe even sorry for me.

Now read these…

I went to the eye doctor and got told I have 20/20 vision, a woman who left the office that same day got told she was legally blind in both eyes. My parents are both still living and doing well, there’s hundreds of thousands of children in orphanages that just want to be loved. I have clean, safe water; 1 in 10 people lack access to clean drinking water.

Now how do you feel?

You’re thinking about how good I have it, right?

What I’m getting at is there’s always something to be grateful and ungrateful for. We get to choose which emotion we want to focus on. I know it’s not always easy, but gratitude is always the answer. You’re at this point in your life, be it good or bad, it won’t last forever. So if you’re sad and down, hang in there! It won’t rain forever! If you’re having the best time of your life, savor it. It won’t last forever!

Whatever your situation may be; it is only temporary.

Don’t compare your first chapter to someone else’s ending. So many things you take for granted others are praying for.

 

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Of course we’re all human and probably won’t stop being comparative 100% of the way, and in my opinion, that’s okay. We’re not supposed to be perfect. Comparison can even be good in some cases!

Consider this: Janet has a bad attitude about helping her mom do the dishes and doesn’t finish the job. Her sister Tina takes it in stride, does the dishes, and doesn’t complain one bit. The girls mother appreciates both of their help, but Janet can see how her mother smiles whilst cleaning the dishes with Tina. She see’s how Tina’s positive attitude puts a smile on her mom’s face. Janet compares her attitude to Tina’s and see’s how she could improve herself for the better.

So, comparison isn’t always a bad thing. If you’re using it to better yourself in a non-harmful way, go for it. But, if you’re comparing your life to others and you are left with a feeling of envy and bitterness, please stop.

You’re beautiful in your own unique way. There’s no one in the world like you! Why be a carbon copy when you can be an original? No one is better at being you than yourself ❤

 

There ya have it! That was my two scents on the topic of comparison. I know some of y’all won’t agree with my views and that’s okay. I love hearing others opinions and views. I hope this post didn’t come of rant-y, but rather encouraging. Have a wonderful day, my friends!

 

Question Time:

Have you struggled with comparison?

Thoughts on this topic?

80 thoughts on “Why Comparison Isn’t The Answer.”

  5. I’m so glad you wrote this! I went through a time where I was depressed and upset because my health was so bad that I just would wallow all the time, thinking everything was awful. I don’t see things that way anymore, I have things pretty good and managed to make it that way, so we should never compare ourselves to others. Only nurture and listen to our bodies and be thankful for what we do have. We are all unique and there’s always someone out there worse or better off than you are.

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  6. This is such a lovely post Edye and so well written! I have definitely been guilty of comparison in the past, but feel like I’m much better at putting it into perspective now and even if I find myself making a comparison I can easily put it to the back of my mind!
    Amy xx
    http://www.callmeamy.co.uk

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  7. Love this post! It’s hard not to compare in this blogger world but your thoughts perfectly reflect what is important. I have really gotten into a Christian writer named Richard Rohr who explains that comparison is the ego trying to assert itself. If we can get past it, we can love all around us, good and bad. I’m obsessed with his writing and hope to do a blog soon on him. Thought I would share with you since your Christian faith comes out so beautiful in your writings.

    http//www.kathrineeldridge.com

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    • Thanks so much, Kathrine! I’m so happy that my faith is expressed through my writing. I strive to exalt Jesus’ love through this blog. I will check out Richard’s writing and give it a try. I’m always looking for new authors.

      Blessings,
      Edye

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  8. love this! you made a really great point here in how comparing ourselves to those greater and even lesser than us can be bad for ourselves. Comparison is a trap that is so easy to fall into!

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  14. Ah I fully agree! Thank you for covering this topic. I myself also really enjoy when bloggers do real talk and get personal with their following. There is constantly a feeling to do better, be better and watching how other people are doing. Ultimately we have to remember we’re in this for ourselves, not to impress others and the best thing to do is be ourselves 🙂

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

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  15. Hi Edye, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on comparison. I love the phrase, “Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s ending”. That’s so true and unfortunately, easy to do at times. I agree with what you said that if comparing to someone else leaves you with negative feelings and thoughts then stop, but if it betters you somehow, then it’s not such a bad thing. Thanks for visiting my blog too!

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  16. Yes, I think comparison is something everyone is guilty of. Comparison can be a bad thing sometimes, but I believe it can be a good thing sometimes as well. It always someone to achieve more things and inspire to be like others. It can be the fuel for someone sometimes, but not always.
    Great post. I really enjoyed reading it!

    Heba xx ││The Heba

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  21. Wow what a great thought provoking article you wrote. Love it. I think we all compare ourselves at one point or another, some times are easier to swallow than others.

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  34. You couldn’t be more correct Edye. Sometimes (oftentimes) we take for granted what we do have because we get so caught up in what we don’t have. And yes, every situation is temporary and will pass. We just need to make a conscious effort to remind ourselves to be grateful for the life we have.
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

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  35. It’s so rare to read blogs by teenagers being concerned with matters and issues that are meaningful. Keep being an inspiration and channel of blessing by the means of your God given talents.

    AFU

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  36. I love that last quote about admiring others beauty without questioning your own! One of my all time favs :). I have really worked to not compare myself to others,but there have been lots of times when I see people’s food on instagram/youtube and wish I could eat that much/what they are eating without gaining weight or to look like them. Definitely a habit I am working on eliminating!

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  37. This post got my attention!
    Yes to most of what you bravely wrote here! When comparison steals your joy then that’s a problem😏
    I choose to be grateful and every time I open my doors I am reminded of God’s faithfulness😘
    God bless Edye

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  39. Another well written, wise post! I agree with your points; comparing ourselves to others frequently robs us of our joy. It is so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling inferior or jealous. That’s when we need to make a choice to stop the thoughts and be grateful! Sometimes easier said than done, but we’re a work in progress!

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