Thursday, July 31
The urge to measure ourselves against others is something most all of us experience. While social media certainly amplifies this, the habit of comparison existed long before the internet. We compare our physical appearance, financial status, hobbies, and achievements to those of our family, friends, and even to strangers. But here's the truth: when we compare our messy, real-life journey to someone else's polished facade, we inevitably diminish our own experience. Today, let's consciously choose to opt out of the comparison game. Instead, look inward. Celebrate your own wins, acknowledge your own efforts, and appreciate the richness of your own journey. When you release the need to measure up, you reclaim the joy that is rightfully yours.
Let’s unpack this:
For me, comparison can creep in during everyday moments – when I’m scrolling online or having a casual chat with a friend. Suddenly, I'm measuring my career trajectory, home life, or social calendar against theirs. And then there's the unique aspect of not having kids. Even though I've embraced this choice, family-focused conversations or holiday cards can trigger a feeling of being an outlier, making me question if my own path to fulfillment is valid. But I'm learning a vital truth: my joy isn't diminished by someone else's. Their achievements don't lessen mine, and their chosen path doesn't invalidate my own. My life, with its unique joys and freedoms, is complete for me. - Caroline Bloss
Subscriber Spotlight: This week’s resource:
Others Like Me: The Lives of Women without Children by Nicole Louie is a book that offers a personal exploration of the experiences of childless and childfree women. Included are candid conversations and interviews with fourteen women from diverse backgrounds and cultures around the world who do not have children.
