The Comparison Game - Why We Will Always Lose!

Ah, comparisons. With Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social-media stuff I don't know about, there are so many ways to compare ourselves to others. Huge billboards portray gorgeous men and women who seem to come from the land of flawless bodies and stunning faces. Comparisons are all around us, and cover all facets of our lives: beauty, possessions, status, jobs, money, etc.

Comparisons played a huge part in my eating disorder, and continue to plague me in recovery. I've compared myself to the most ridiculous things: animated characters, models, classmates, strangers, my boyfriend, my peers, children, other patients...I've compared my bank account, my own recovery, my weight, my hair, my face, my clothing, my faith, my art, my writing, my college degree, my job status, my skills, my voice, and more.

I catch myself time and again making stupid comparisons. That's when I read some truth. God does not compare us; we are all uniquely made and have different gifts and abilities. Am I going to compare myself to the twisted reality of this society? Or am I going to renew my mind and realize that I am enough.

You are enough.

It's an awesome thing to finally comprehend. Yet I know it is not always easy. I still fall down and need to pick myself up (or, more often than not, have someone else pick me up!) When my younger sister buys her first car and snags an internship, or someone I know pays off their student loans, or I give in to another ED thought and let it waste my valuable time and energy...I remember that I am enough.

Don't get me wrong; comparisons can be a good thing if we use them in a healthy manner. For example, if I compare myself now to the person I was one year ago, I can see huge improvement: I'm at a healthy weight; I have a loving boyfriend; I'm writing daily; I'm doing more art; I'm in recovery (that's a really good one!)

So maybe instead of comparing myself to other people, I can compare myself to ... well, myself. Look at how far I've come! I'm sure you've come pretty far yourself. I can't wait to see how I'll keep moving forward in the future.