Community over competition
Image Credit: Lauren Richmond on Unsplash
Grace Stanhope,
26th Apr 2022
Tags:
Life
Blog
Culture
Friendship
Identity
Individuality
People's opinions
We’ve all been there; scrolling through our social media feed when that thought creeps in…
“I wish I looked as good as them”
“Look how many likes they’ve got on their photo! Mine never looks like that”
“I wish my life was as exciting as them”
We live in a world where it’s easy to slip into comparison and things become competitive. Social media certainly doesn’t help with this.
If those thoughts resonate with you or you’ve experienced something similar, you’re not alone!
Today I want to share some tips I’ve learnt along the way to help choose community over competition.
1. We are created to be unique
No two of us can ever be the same. We may share similar likes and dislikes, but ultimately there will always be differences between each of us.
Our differences should be celebrated; if we were all the same, then life would be very boring! We need to embrace that we are all different and unique, because that’s what makes us, us.
I’m a Christian, so I believe that God created every one of us to be unique. We may look different, speak differently, have different likes or dislikes, and we all have different plans and purposes for our lives that only we can follow.
I find it so beautiful that God has created us to be unique. He loves us for who we are and he doesn’t want us to change that!
2. Remember who you are
When I say “Remember Who You Are” I automatically think of that famous Lion King scene, maybe it’s because I’m a massive Disney fan! This scene is so powerful and speaks to me every time I watch it.
If you’re not familiar, Simba is returning to Pride Rock, but is undoubtedly struggling with who he is and what his future holds. A lot is in question, but as he takes time to reflect, he is reminded of exactly who he is and it gives him courage to continue on his journey.
Like Rafiki prompts Simba, I want to encourage you to reflect on who you are. When we fall into the trap of comparison, it can be so easy to think of all we are not. We look at our friends, someone we follow on social media or watch on YouTube and we think our life or successes don’t measure up to theirs.
Comparison is the biggest thief of joy, so the best way to combat it is to change your focus. Rather than thinking about all the things you feel you are not, try to think of all the things you are. Find the joys in your life and the things that make you who you are. Whether it be a hobby you love, a quality you hold, something you’re talented at, a goal you have for the future, something you love about yourself, whatever it is, remember it in the times when you feel the comparison sneaking in.
3. We are stronger when we stand together
It’s true that when we stand together, we are stronger through unity. So if you start to feel competition or comparison, why not encourage that very person? Whether it’s complimenting a friend on their outfit, giving someone a shout out for an achievement or sending someone a kind message. A little encouragement goes a long way and may really brighten someone's day.
So when the comparison creeps in and tries to steal your joy, remember how wonderful you are and how uniqueness should be celebrated.
To finish, listen to the song below by Lauren Daigle. It's one of my favourites when I need some encouragement.
