Why comparison is the thief of joy

Teddy Roosevelt aptly put it, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” and in this life and generation, I wholeheartedly agree.

It used to be, that when you went to school reunions, you see the people you went to school with, and how different their lives turned out to be from yours, and you feel bad for a night, or a week even. They became who they set out to be while you’re still finding your path. They found somebody amazing while you’re still in the dating pool. They outgrew the baby fat while you gained 15 pounds and then some since you last saw them. And all the other things you usually hear about when you haven’t seen each other in 10 years.

Social media has eliminated the need for reunions, because when you connect to a person on Facebook or Instagram, you get to see their life, or whatever public persona they choose to reveal to the world.

And it’s usually picture perfect. Filtered selfies, awesome vacation shots, incredible food porn. That is the public life. And you can’t help but shake your head sometimes and ask yourself “Why don’t I get that?”.

Then what happens?

It’s a vicious cycle.

Truth is, there will always be someone who will be better at you at something. Who will look better in a bikini. Who gets to travel the world while you’re stuck in your 9 to 5. When this gets you down on the dumps, remember, you don’t post your crappy outfits, your fail plans, and disappointed thoughts online, so why do you think the people on your feed do? We filter (sometimes quite literally, hello Instagram) what we think looks good, and that’s what we put out there.

Stop comparing your life with someone else’s. It’s unhealthy and it gives you wrinkles. Find what’s good about your life, focus on making it grow, or find other things that make you happy. It’s as simple as that.

Also, you’re awesome. Don’t forget that.