Lifestyle

How to Overcome Comparison

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl JungLately, I’ve been obsessed with this quote. It’s all about perspective. Growing up, comparing myself to others was never really an issue for me. I’ve always been in ‘my own little world’- wearing outfits that didn’t match (just because I loved the colors!), hanging out with my brother’s friends (because there was so much less drama than being with other girls), and ignoring Facebook (because I really didn’t care). I think I’ve always had my own passions and goals and I really wasn’t too concerned about what others thought of me. Honestly, more often than not I found myself oblivious to the world around me. Clearly this character trait has its pros and its cons!

But last year, for the first time, I slowly started comparing myself to others. A lot! I was getting really big into social media at the time (specifically Instagram) and something about seeing direct numbers made me constantly question if I was “good enough.” My irl friends would tell me how much my following was growing, but for the first time I couldn’t shake that feeling that I should be better. If I posted a picture and it got less likes than usual, I’d feel like I did something wrong. I’d question myself and wonder if I was “good enough” (<<whatever that even means).

But it’s not just Insta. I recently started vlogging– I truly enjoy filming and editing and creating something that I envision in my head. But again, seeing raw numbers of just how many people watch these videos makes me question if I’m doing a good job. How good is good enough? Will I ever get as many subscribers as her… or create a video as good as her??

And while I still question myself sometimes, I’m starting to realize that it’s just a little voice in my head and I don’t have to listen to it. I can choose to “look inside” (instead of “outside”) because I truly LOVE creating. It gives me life, energy, joy… it’s my passion. It’s what God created me to do- to create things I love. Things that promote a healthy relationship with food… things that encourage others to desire that same healthy relationship. Because He has healed me and I want to share what I’ve learned.

The way I share what I’ve learned may change, but God has hardwired me to be a creative person. And when I focus on that, I don’t compare myself to anyone. When I look inside and pursue the passion within me, who cares if a picture gets less likes or more likes (or followers or subscribers?) No, that’s not where my validation comes from. Of course, those things are important to me because I want to share my passion with others. But if I get my validation from likes and followers, I’ll always be creating from a place of fear and not a place of love.

God made each of us individuals- special and distinctly unique. He’s gifted us all with different talents and abilities. He’s provided us all with different strengths and weaknesses. We’re all on our own journey- so stop comparing yourself to others! You’re uniquely and beautifully YOU. Take joy in that.

xoxo Cailee!

Related:

10 Comments

  • Reply Kristy from Southern In Law

    Comparison is a trap that is SO easy to fall into. I was often a victim of it until I realised that I’m over here running my own race – not someone else’s. I actually wrote a whole post on it because it was a realisation that really changed my life!

    January 24, 2017 at 5:23 am
    • Reply Cailee

      YESSSS! I love that Kristy! We’re def all running our own races! Wise words babe! Heading to your blog now!!! <3

      February 7, 2017 at 5:00 pm
  • Reply Emily

    AMEN so much to all of this Cailee; the more we find our worth in Christ and who God has redeemed us, healed us, and made us to be, the more free we are! I LOVED your Vlog, and keep doing your thing. Your videos are so cute, simple, and fun.

    January 24, 2017 at 3:33 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Awww! Em! This just made my day! Thanks girl! I’m hoping to post another vlog soon!! Thanks so much for watching! And YES! Freedom is definitely found in Christ!

      February 7, 2017 at 4:59 pm
  • Reply Lucie

    I didnt even have instagram until two years ago (and I was late on the facebook bandwagon too!), but like you, it didnt take me long until I started comparing myself across all forms of social media. I also found myself spending an ncreasingly large amount of time just scrolling which isnt healthy. Its been so good for me to just unfollow accounts on social media (or better still, not go on social media at all!) and spend more time with family and friends! Its helped me so much with comparing – and with my general mental health too!

    January 31, 2017 at 7:44 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      YES! I was late to the IG train as well- but I got really into it just over a year ago… it really is so important to have a balanced relationship with social media. So glad you agree and have found what works for you! That’s awesome!

      February 7, 2017 at 4:58 pm
  • Reply Julie @ Running in a Skirt

    Comparison can be soooo hard. I’m glad you are in touch enough to see what you are doing and to try to not let it bother you.
    Just know that you are fabulous and everyone has their own journey!

    February 2, 2017 at 1:04 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Awww! Thanks Julie! And same to you! <3 I def agree... we're all on our own journeys!

      February 7, 2017 at 4:56 pm
  • Reply Liv @ Healthy Liv

    Such an encouraging post!! Comparison really is the thief of joy and I love your thoughts on this

    February 3, 2017 at 5:20 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you so much Liv! Comparison really is the worst!! Def the thief of all joy…

      February 7, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Leave a Reply