WEYBURN - It is part of human nature to feel envious or jealous of other people. There is often a desire to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, and we find ourselves comparing our wealth, popularity or friendships to others in our community, who are idolized as a benchmark for social achievement.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, it is better to support others in their success, and focus on your own journey. Take time to remember the old adage, ‘the grass is not always greener on the other side’, and there might be struggles and challenges that the Joneses are experiencing that are hidden away from the public eye.
Every person has their own strengths, and sometimes it is difficult to celebrate your own personal value to family, friends and the community. The truth of the matter is that comparing ourselves to others only leads to unhappiness. Count the blessings that you have in your life, and remember to reflect on what makes you happy.
No one is perfect, no matter how social media might project a certain image out into the world. There are many people who push too hard to achieve a level of perfection that is impossible. Take joy in making mistakes, and have fun with trying new things.
Life is a journey, and it is unique for each person. We all have our own goals, our own joys, and our own obstacles that must be faced. One can be humble, and still recognize their own strengths, talents and accomplishments. We do not all have to ‘ShareBook’ by posting every little moment of our lives on social media.
When you are struggling to find that inner value, take time to write down three things that you like about yourself. These can be as personal as you want, since that little piece of paper is just for yourself. There are many people who have their own personal ‘compliment jars’, where they write little positive messages for themselves, and put away into a jar to read during a low moment in their lives.
It is also important to cheer on the people in your life who are working hard, and have made achievements. Find small ways to celebrate these moments with the people who are important in your life, and give them the spotlight instead of trying to turn the focus back on yourself. Often, you will find that when it comes time for you to celebrate, these friends and family will return the favor.
Since social media can be an addiction, it can be difficult not to compare yourself to another person’s social identity. Remember that social media is only a brief window into the lives of others, and that it might be a good idea to set yourself limitations to being on your social media feeds. It is important to validate the actual in-person moments with your family and friends, and there is nothing wrong with turning off your phone during those times.
Comparative thinking is part of our social cognition, and can be a learning tool. There is some importance to analyzing similarities and differences, so you can make connections and make sense of the world. Comparative thinking can also help build critical thinking skills, memory and comprehension. It is no wonder that match games are a popular activity for many. It is important to be aware of your comparative thinking, as while it can be extremely beneficial, it can also be hurtful and negative.
