Comparison is a natural human trait. It’s just what we do. We compare trivial things like shoe style and hair color, but then it gets more complicated as we compare parenting styles, husbands, and yes, our children. It is so easy to get wrapped up in comparisons! If your friends are successfully potty training their child who is younger than you, you second guess yourself. Your husband’s friend surprised his wife with an amazing gift and maybe you feel slighted or not loved as much. Comparison. It happens. It’s natural.
via Pen and Paint, pinned here
What happens when it becomes obsessive? When it starts to spiral out of control? When it overtakes everything you do because you want to BE like what you THINK others are?
Then, my friends, we have a problem.
We, as mothers, as women, as HUMANS, need to Knock it Off. Hearts at Home has a wonderful campaign called Knock if Off, Moms– and I urge you to go HERE and sign the pledge. I didn’t realize just how often I was comparing myself to others until I read Jill Savage’s book– No More Perfect Moms. (I know, I reference it a LOT but if you haven’t read it, you should!) There was a part in there that really struck me– “Don’t compare your inside to someone else’s outside.”
I’ll let that sink in a minute.
What you see on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter is just a snippet of someone’s reality. The best parts. The photo worthy parts. It may not always BE as it is shown in social media. Or– your real life friends may even seem to be having it SO much better than you, but you can only see the outside. We never get the full picture, and that is why it is crucial that we stop comparing. Stop judging.
We need to build each other up. Did your friend have a tough day at work? Send her a quick email or a text and let her know you are thinking of her. Another friend going through a rough patch with their marriage? Pray for them. Encourage her. Is someone close to you having a crazy week and you aren’t sure how to help? Order pizza for their family to take the burden off of her, just for a few minutes. Don’t judge, ACT. DO something to help instead of tear them down.
No one is perfect, and I know that even if you are trying NOT to compare, at some point, you will. Take a minute to read that pledge and next time it happens, give yourself some grace and know that this is a learning experience. It takes time.
Knock it off. Your friends will thank you!
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