They say that comparison is the thief of all joy, and there’s no question that the hours we spend measuring our own life against that of others is time that would be better spent being grateful for what we do have, or even working to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves. Of course, some level of comparison is inevitable, especially in this age of social media when we can observe the dream vacations, seemingly perfect relationships and otherwise fabulous lives of others with a quick scroll through our Instagram feed. I’m as guilty as anyone — no matter how much I want to always be happy when great things happen to others, it can be tough not to weigh our lives against theirs. So what can we do to counteract the comparison game? I think it helps to start each day with gratitude, choose to be present in our everyday lives, limit our social media consumption if necessary, and remind ourselves that we are enough just as we are. Click through the slides for a few of my favorite quotes that help me do each of these, and say goodbye to negative comparisons for good.
featured image via the coveteur
graphics by jennifer rose smith
Have more than you show, and speak less than you know. – William Shakespeare
The only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. – unknown
Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. – Coco Chanel
A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it, it just blooms. – Zen Shin
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Personality begins where comparison leaves off. Be unique. Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud.”
– Shannon L. Alder
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions … do your thing, and don’t care if they like it.” Tina Fey
