Apples and Oranges

In the "Comparison Game" you lose every... single... time.

There will ALWAYS be someone:
Prettier
Fitter
Smarter
Funnier
Richer
Quicker
Better Dressed
Nicer
Etc.
Etc.

There's even someone who is all that and more than you. I don't say all this to be a Debby Downer but rather I want to talk about something I definitely struggle with: Playing the Comparison Game and losing every time.

I am sure you gentlemen struggle with this as well, in fact I know you do, but I am a female, therefore I will be speaking from that perspective.

Sometimes when playing this game we'll compare ourselves to someone "prettier;" and then to even things out, we'll tell ourselves we're probably smarter. Really? Why? Because she's blonde... Okay, well that's probably true then... JUST KIDDING! So back to the prettier blonde... What if she's smarter than you too? Then what? Here's the deal. There are so many gorgeous women. I mean just gorgeous! Trust me. I've spent a lot of time in Texas and they have an excess of them there! And so what? Isn't that a good thing? Why does someone else's greatness have to make you feel less than? Or someone else's downfalls make you feel better? One, you never know what their story is and what has led them to the place they are at now. Two, what if they are a shallow, selfish, pretty girl? Does that now make you better? No! I know I'm rambling, yet this is what I'm getting at... Stop comparing! It will tear you apart.

Here's the deal. There may be someone prettier and smarter and richer and funnier, but there is one thing you have on them, guaranteed. You are the only you! You can't be them, so stop trying. But they can't be you so do you to your very best. Be the very best you that you can be. And here is what I have found. When you are your best self, as flawed and messed up as that may be, you have the ability to impact people in an unspeakable way.

Recently, I have been following some different fitness competitors and crossfitters for inspiration on Instagram. It's nice to see other's photos to see what they are doing and to help set goals... my problem is getting too wrapped up in comparing myself to them. I've noticed myself struggling with some body issues recently as my body just won't do what I want it to. I look in the mirror and because of my loose skin, I still see a fat girl. It's frustrating, exhausting, and getting to my head. With that being said, I stopped following these pages on Instagram to take away the temptation of comparing myself.

I run, but compare me to a legit runner... I am an amateur.
I dance, but compare me to a legit dancer... I look like a fool.
I weightlift, but compare me to a legit weight lifter... I am weak.
I do kickboxing, but compare me to a legit fighter... I am beat.
I am pretty, but compare me to a model... And I am a beast.
I am smart, but compare me to a doctor... I am an idiot.

Lucky for me that being the best at these things is not what defines me but rather being my best self. Living out the will of God for my life to my very best is what will define me in this world. I am going to continue to push myself, but my goal is to be the best I can be for myself.

I have already been absolutely astounded by the impact my journey to be my best self has had on people around me. And I thank all of you who have shared this with me as it brings such great encouragement.

Choose to stop judging others and to stop judging yourself!

Get up every day with purpose, to be your very best self and make us all proud to spell our name...
W-O-M-A-N. (reference to Maya Angelou quote)