Comparison

There is nothing on this planet I struggle with more than comparison. I have dealt with it for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure so many other people have, as well. To have the best body, best grades or job, best personality, best life. I can never be quite content with myself. In today's blog post, I will be pouring out my thoughts on why we go to others for validation rather than looking within our own hearts.

Instagram is my biggest frenemy. It can literally keep me occupied for hours and hours. Whether I'm looking at cute outfits and bloggers or funny videos and memes, I can always find something to do on there. While I am using it, I seem to be enjoying myself. It is when I get off that I sometimes feel frustrated or insecure. I wonder how one girl's life is so fun and exciting and why another girl looks like a Victoria's Secret model when she posts stories of herself eating Chick-Fil-A and iced coffee everyday?! (Not that I don't do that myself, but you get the point.)

Another issue is online shopping. I get my clothes in the mail and wonder why the HECK I look like a potato and the model looks flawless? I think I deserve part of that frustration because I choose to order clothes from sketchy websites that only charge me, like, $4 for a dress.... Anyways, it is so important to realize that, more than likely, the models we see in pictures probably don't even look like that in real life! I'm sure they see those photos of themselves and wonder why they look different in a mirror. Obviously, many things we see online are heavily photoshopped and unrealistic. No shame to the use of photoshop, but how can we compare our real selves to another person who look the way they do online with the help of a good editing app? Plus, if you do look picture perfect, good for you! The point is not to shame others, but to build EVERYONE up, including yourself!

Comparison is not always about physical appearance. Looking at the careers, grades, and lifestyles of other people with jealousy and/or longing also has a negative impact. Personally, I have a habit of comparing myself to women traveling the world, blogging as a full time job, and living what looks like a "perfect" life. When I snap out of it, I realize how silly it is! Of course, we all post the best aspects of our lives online for other people to see. Behind those highlights, however, everyone is dealing with some sort of battle no matter what size. We should be happy for other women living their best lives, rather than putting ourselves down because we aren't doing the same things as people we see online.

---

At some point in your life, you were wishing to be where you are now. I used to be so excited to be able to drive, go to college, hang out with my friends and boyfriend, and so much more. Now, I'm living what used to be my exciting future. It is so great and important to have aspirations and push yourself to be better; however, it is also vital to realize that everyone struggles. Lift yourself up, and lift others up, too! It can be such a confidence boost to acknowledge the beauty within yourself and those around you. Comparison is a struggle that many of us may never get over, but these are just a few important things to remember next time you find yourself wishing you were better than you already are.

xoxo,

Alyssa