Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

This quote deeply resonates with me because there’s so much room for interpretation. I personally relate it to mental illness and how it feeds into feelings of inadequacy—though others may see it differently.

We all want to become bigger and better versions of ourselves, and growth is a beautiful thing—up to a point. But in today’s society, it can be incredibly hard to distinguish between what’s real and what’s curated. Social media plays a huge role in that.

Something I’m constantly reminding myself is that I am perfectly imperfect. For example, in a photo, I can immediately point out everything I don’t like about my appearance. I compare myself to influencers or feel the urge to slap on a filter just so others don’t judge the photo as boring or weird. That’s where comparison becomes harmful.

Social media often amplifies this—whether it’s through comments, cancel culture, or the constant pressure to be “perfect.” And honestly, it’s something many of us do without even realizing it.

Wanting more for yourself is not a bad thing—until it turns toxic. A good example? The obsession with having the most expensive house, car, or hobbies. Comparison pressures us to chase things that may not even align with our budget or lifestyle. It becomes the norm, and it’s exhausting.

As someone who struggles with this, I can tell you—it’s hard to stop your brain from jumping to the conclusion that nothing you have or do is good enough. If you’re feeling the same way, I want to remind you: you are doing just fine. Everything will work out. You are okay.

Another aspect I want to touch on is friendship. I’ve always struggled to maintain a large group of friends. And while it’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else has tight-knit circles or exciting group trips, I’ve learned to value a few close, genuine friendships over a crowd of surface-level ones. If you’re struggling with loneliness or drifting from people, please know that life changes—often unexpectedly—and that’s okay. Find something that comforts you during those times.

Now, let’s talk about insecurities. This is a raw and real subject. One of my biggest insecurities has always been my teeth and smile. I recently finished my second round of braces, but for a long time, I didn’t feel beautiful or confident. I thought everyone was judging me whenever I smiled or laughed. It consumed my self-image.

But insecurities are part of being human. And while we can learn to accept them, it’s also okay to want to improve them if it brings you peace—whether you’re doing it for yourself or others.

Lastly, I want to end by highlighting self-care. It’s so important in becoming your best self. I’ve always struggled with it—I used to put everyone else first and lost myself in the process. Now, I’m making a conscious effort to prioritize my well-being. If you have any favorite self-care activities, I’d love for you to share them. Someone else might benefit too.

In the end, I just want to show that you’re not alone. I relate to these struggles, and I’m trying to be vulnerable and honest about them. If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or even just say hi. I want to use this platform to help others feel a little less alone—just like I’m trying to feel too. Take care of your mind.

#mentalhealthawareness
#MentalHealthMatters
#youarenotalone
#breakthestigma