Something that I often catch myself doing is comparing myself to others. I don't set out to do it, it just naturally happens. I even have a sign in my shop that is intended remind myself and others that comparison steals our joy but I still fall into the comparison trap. I am sure that social media doesn't help with this struggle.
Last night my husband and I were talking and I shared some of this struggle with him. As an artist I often find myself comparing to other people's artistic journeys. I see someone doing something new with their business and I automatically think, 'Oh, I should be doing that too' or somehow think that I am failing because I am not keeping up with the Joneses. Then I become discontent and fear sets in. This has been my current state over the last few weeks. And it sucks.
My husband has been trying to encourage me in this. Last night he simply said 'You do you.'
Be who you are, where you, with what you have and let it be enough.
We each have a journey that is unique. The paths that you may be following aren't necessarily for me and vice versa.
Today I have been thinking about what this means to me. What things are important to me? Where do I want to be in 10, 20, 30 years? Following the unique and beautiful path that God has planned for my life or still trying to keep up with someone else?
So, for those of you who also struggle with comparison, be encouraged. Set aside time, along with me, to think about what matters to you, your unique gifts and what you are called to do during this season of life. Then, when you catch yourself looking with envy to the right or to the left, STOP and remind yourself that 'Comparison is the thief of joy.'
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