Let Go Of Your Measuring Stick: Embrace Who You Are
“Comparison is the death of joy.” — Mark Twain
How often do you compare yourself to others? More importantly, how does it feel when you do?
Comparing ourselves to others is a common practice. This type of behavior begins in early childhood as a way of learning how to gain the acceptance and approval from our loved ones. We may compare ourselves to someone else, or to a standard we have set for ourselves. We may even compare ourselves to ourselves, wishing we were more like who we used to be, or like some imagined version of who we could be.
Either way, if we aren’t accepting ourselves the way we currently are, we pay a price. There is a cost every time we put our worth on the line to be measured. Every time we doubt ourselves and wish to be different than we are, we chip away at the important relationship we have with ourselves. Bit by bit, comparison has a way of clouding our view and weakening our inner bond.
Comparing ourselves to others is entirely different from being inspired by others. When we are inspired by someone, we see value in what that person is offering the world. Witnessing their gift enriches our lives and lifts us up. When we are inspired by someone, we have a sense of joy and admiration for another human being. When we are inspired, we are motivated to create…
