Let’s be honest for a moment. We can’t help but compare ourselves to others. On a daily basis we are bombarded by news feeds and magazine features telling us about more glamorous lives, the rich and of course the better bodied. When life perhaps sometimes isn’t going our way, or things haven’t turned out like we wished, it’s easy to get down in the dumps and start to wonder why we haven’t got it as good as someone else. Wishing we were prettier like such and such, or had the opportunity to do so and so. And we’re even vocal about our own insecurities, spreading them across Twitter and Facebook without any apprehension.We want their bodies, their money, their success and maybe even their life… but do we really?
While it’s easy to see the grass is greener; thanks to it being filtered and edited and then shoved in our face by every social stream. What we often don’t see is the other side of it. And whilst we’re day dreaming our lives away and feeling rather sorry for ourselves, it’s simply the fact that we only ever see the good stuff. That celebrity or idol you’re so quick to compare yourself to might not have it perfect, and who’s to say they’re even happy?
Kendall Jenner cleaned up on Valentines Day and you didn’t get so much as a card? Don’t beat yourself up.
But rather than focus on someone else’s Chapter 10 in their story, we should be focusing on Chapter 1 in our own. Because what you’re seeing isn’t the beginning, it’s half the story. What we haven’t seen is the struggle they’ve gone through to get there, or the sacrifices they’ve made. If we focused as much time and effort into our lives as we do others, then perhaps we might achieve something even more incredible.
In essence comparing ourselves to others is unhealthy and just plain silly, because we’re all different. Each of us have different strengths and ideals, all of which make us who we are. If we were all the same life would be extremely dull and boring, and we’d probably all complain about that too.
Kayla Itsines has rock hard abs and you barely made it to the gym this week? Don’t beat yourself up.
As variety is the spice of life, there is a fantastic mix of us with incredible talents and beautiful minds, and we should embrace this rather than get jealous or feel insecure. And whilst it’s great to support others and celebrate with them in their success, don’t forget to remember the great things about you.
A tanned MIllie Mackintosh in sunning it up in Marrakech and your stuck at work in rainy London? Don’t beat yourself up.
Having confidence in your own mind and body will help you to achieve anything. Rather than focusing on the things you would change about yourself or your life, think about what you’re proud of, and what you’ve done. Make a promise to yourself that you’ll be your own best friend, and from now on cut yourself a bit of slack instead of giving yourself grief over others. Celebrate you!