I don’t know about you but in today’s society, it’s so easy to compare yourselves to people on the internet or social media. Especially as a blogger, I follow a BUNCH of other bloggers and it’s so easy to compare myself to others. I think wow, she’s working with that brand or she gets so many like on her photos. The comparison is discouraging and frankly toxic. Instead of celebrating in their joys, I am discouraged by my lack of. That negativity eventually eats away at your confidence, your attitude and other areas of your life.
I recently read that “Women ages eighteen and older in the United States go to social media looking to connect and feel better about themselves, but only 14% walk away feeling encouraged.” WOW! That’s crazy! It’s so easy to think about the perfect lives everyone lives because of what they choose to show us, but we don’t not see the 30 pictures that were taken that didn’t get posted.
“Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy, it’s the thief of EVERYTHING! Keep your eyes on your purposeful path. Celebrate others. Celebrate progress, not perfection. Cultivate GRATITUDE over comparison. GRATITUDE turns what we have into more than enough.”
As women we should build each other up not tear each other down by comparison and jealousy. Throughout my time blogging I’ve met some bloggers who are so encouraging and wonderful both in person and on my newsfeed. They are inspired by other bloggers and want to see everyone succeed in their own way. I’ve also met some bloggers who I’ve really looked up to and then were rude, thought they were too cool for school and a complete disappointment. Maybe they are insecure? Maybe they don’t want to help others because they feel threatened. I’m not sure the cause, but because of this I strive to be authentic and encouraging.
“Her success is not my failure” -Latasha Haynes
Social media can become a toxic mirror, so something I’ve been trying to do is clean out my newsfeed of harmful content. Whether it’s people that I find myself constantly picking apart their photos, someone who sparks me to compare myself to, or someone that I have conflicting beliefs or thoughts with. I want to encourage you to do the same. Follow people who lift you and you are encouraged by, if that means unfollowing me then do it! Fill your feeds with positivity and genuine connection.
“Admire someone else’s beauty without questioning your own”
Remember God made you perfect the way you are and he has a plan for you. In those moments of weakness and comparison, turn to Him for strength.
I so agree! It’s shocking how much social media affects us, whether we realize it or not. I’ve started to do the same process and go through to clean out my newsfeed, and it’s amazing how big of a difference it makes. I love being able to find content that is encouraging and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this and for your honesty on this!
I’m so glad you like this blog! It’s like my mom used to say garbage in garbage out. Keeping our feeds positive will help us be more positive!