On Thursday, I came across a quote shared by James Clear that I found very interesting:
“If you only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.”
— Montesquieu
What is described here is the trap of comparison…
Not that our lives are empty.
Not that we are without blessings.
But that we convince ourselves that others are somehow happier, further ahead, more fulfilled, more successful…
while overlooking the goodness already present in our own lives.
We often hear that comparison steals joy… and it does. But what is most interesting about this trap is that when we compare ourselves, we usually compare “up.”
We compare ourselves to:
But rarely do we compare ourselves to someone who may be struggling more than we are.
This got me thinking…
Why are we so quick to notice where we are lacking… but slow to notice how blessed we already are?
Comparison is dangerous because it is often selective.
It magnifies what we do not have while minimizing everything we do.
And if we are not careful, it can slowly lead us into:
Not because our life lacks purpose… but because we are too distracted watching someone else’s race.
In Galatians 6:4:
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
What if the goal was never to “keep up”?
What if the goal was simply to be faithful to the life, purpose, and path God has given you?
The truth is:
And because of that, we cannot measure our lives using someone else’s ruler.
I think one of the greatest forms of self-care is learning to:
Because when you are truly consumed with purpose, you have less time to compare.
Where has comparison been stealing your peace?
What blessings in your own life have you overlooked while focusing on someone else’s journey?
And what would change if you truly embraced your own path?
Run your race.
Honor your journey.
Trust your timing.
Until next Saturday!
Love, Talisha 
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On Thursday, I came across a quote shared by James Clear that I found very interesting: “If you only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.” — Montesquieu What […]
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One thing my LBI leader said here stood out boldly to me: “Be your own ruler.” indirectly.
And ohhh, how deeply that ministered to me.
Because a ruler has two meanings.
A ruler is a measuring tool… but a ruler is also one who governs with authority.
Now here is the revelation: If I hold my own ruler, I decide where the measurement begins. I no longer have to measure myself by the limitations, opinions, wounds, or expectations of others. I no longer have to start from lack, shame, or survival. I can place the ruler where healing, growth, grace, and truth begin.
And additionally… A ruler is a governing leader.
Hahaha… guess what?
By the choice of my beliefs, my healing, my surrender to God, and my commitment to becoming…I am my own governing leader.
Not in rebellion. Not in pride. But in responsibility.
I am no longer waiting for permission to live, grow, thrive, or take up space in my own life.
So who is the winner?
I AM.
I am my own ruler. I am my own winner. 👑✨
The student becomes the teacher! Thanks for this perspective Etlyne!
This was such an insightful article today! What stood out to me is the fact that we always seem to compare up..we end up missing how far we have come. Its a point of intentionality to run your own race.
Blinders on!!!
Thanks for this Talisha
That part stopped me in my tracks this week too Kizzy! We must run our own race.
Sometime last week that same thing came to me..comparing with the ‘up’ and missing the blessings right before your eyes!
I truly appreciate how you put it Talisha..run my own race, stay in my lane and that way I can be intentional about enjoying the journey while learning from the mistake moments
Thank you for this 🥰
I am happy this resonated with you Nicole.
Comparison is a trap, so we thank God for his Word as our guide!