The Comparison Trap
Have you ever heard of the comparison trap? This is when you get stuck in an endless cycle of comparing yourself to others. It could be that you think you are better than everyone else or that you feel others are better than you. Either way, this is extremely unhealthy and toxic to our emotional and mental well-being.
I want to let you all in on a little secret. I have struggled with this so much in my lifetime. If we were being honest, I think we all have. But for me, it all started in middle school. Trying to figure out my identity and what I stood for was a challenge. Often at that age, we are swayed by what others want us to believe or think, so you must stay strong and lean on what you know to be true.
In high school, I started having body image insecurities. I would compare myself to others, not even knowing it. This would lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Outside of my physical appearance, I would also compare myself in sports, pushing myself to be the best I could be. But my drive was not healthy.
Even when I got to college, people started excelling academically and I started to see a lot of my friends pursue their dream careers while I was still figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Looking back, I have learned so much about comparison. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Man, is this true! I have also learned so much about our body image, the power behind how we view ourselves, and the impact of positive self-talk.
How we view ourselves is important. Our words either speak life or death. (Proverbs 18:21). What we say has power behind it, so we must be sure to speak positively about ourselves.
One way to do this is by reading and speaking Bible verses over you. Next time you are in the mirror, I want you to look yourself in the eyes and say, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Beautifully crafted, with no mistakes. I have no flaw within me. I am made perfect in His image.”
Do this often and you will see your mindset shift, and eventually, life-giving words will become more natural. Your eyes will be more focused on God, and less focused on others. You will walk in confidence and assurance of where God has YOU, and less worried about where He has others.
Next time you feel tempted to compare your story to someone else’s, remember that we are all in different seasons of life. God has a plan for us all, and we must trust in His perfect timing. Next time you see that perfect picture on social media, remember that nothing is as it seems online. Everyone has their issues, filters, and imperfect relationships. Next time you are negative about your body image, I want you to hear my voice telling you that you are beautiful, loved, cherished, and uniquely created. God made you just the way He wanted, and there is no flaw within you! You are priceless!
Finally, friend, you are not your neighbor, your co-worker, your best friend, or your family member. You are the only you there is.
Journal Prompt:
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? How do you talk to yourself? Are you negative and talk poorly about yourself? Or do you speak confident life-giving words?
Ref: Psalm 139:14, Romans 12:3-8
