Gratitude: The Change of Heart We Need for Living Comparison-Free - This Little Heart of Mine

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “Wow, I wish my life looked more like hers…”?

You’re not the only one—I know I’m guilty.

In a highlight reel society, I can’t help but wonder how often we miss out by simply believing we’re “missing out”. It’s easy to subscribe to the lie that something more (or something else, for that matter) is better than what we’ve got. Or that we’re not as accomplished, we’re not as fulfilled… unlike that one girl with the profile page we’ll stalk periodically. Okay, okay—sometimes daily.

“She has it all, huh? Marriage, babies, the white-picket-fence dream. Like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. Meanwhile, there’s me: barely surviving on dry shampoo and caffeine…”  

Many of us romanticize the lives of others and forget to see their reality. Social media doesn’t help. To be honest, sometimes I find it incredibly disheartening. Especially when I’m not in a great mental space. Just a few minutes of scrolling past posts can turn dangerous as feelings of inadequacy begin to race through my head. There have been days I just want to toss my dang phone off the balcony. Ha!

We compare on the daily—even at a subconscious level. As a result, we’re increasingly unsatisfied with our bodies, our careers, our relationships. This “Grass Is Greener Syndrome” wrecks our ability to be at peace with ourselves and our circumstances. Why? Because comparison is a death wish when it comes to contentment. It’s destructive for so many reasons.

This ‘Grass Is Greener Syndrome’ wrecks our ability to be at peace with ourselves and our circumstances. Why? Because comparison is a death wish when it comes to contentment. It’s destructive for so many reasons.

I think as women, we’re especially tempted in this area. But that doesn’t mean we have to give in to the insecurities that often follow comparison. If someone/something triggers some envy, stop and remind yourself of the blessings in your life. Go a step further: reach for a journal to jot down a few ideas. Don’t stop until you’ve run out of room on the page. Yes, really. Give it a try sometime.

I’ve learned how thanking Jesus for all the little things transforms my outlook. No matter how “salty” I may have been feeling, prayer always resets my mood. Starting AND ending my day with an attitude of gratitude changes everything.

It’s important to actively acknowledge the positive instead of focusing on the potentially* negative. And when we commit ourselves to practicing gratitude, we become far less vulnerable to comparison (and eventual discontentment).

Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). When it comes to having a joyful heart, this is where it’s at, babe. Walking in gratitude will allow us to live more freely. And yes… even comparison-free. 

Thanksgiving is tomorrow which made this message seem timely. Let’s ask ourselves: How will I choose to seek gratitude this week?  

P.S. what are YOU most thankful for this season? Anything on your heart these days? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear! 

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VERSES TO MEDITATE ON

• “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

• “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

• “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1).