One thing that can put extra strain on our already taxed mental health during the holiday season is comparing our reality to our perceived reality of someone else. We know in our head that Facebook and Instagram aren’t true, but we have a hard time not believing what we see-like it can hurt our hearts.
If you find yourself slipping into the comparison trap this month, try a few of these things that have worked for me.
1. You Are His
In the hustle and bustle of all that is holiday, fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember, you are who He says you are. And if you need a reminder, a great place to stay in His presence is to spend time each day-just a few minutes -focusing on the Forty I Ams. (hyperlink to the 40 I ams download….I couldn’t find it on our website…so maybe it’s a download????) Read one a day. Write them out on notecards. Write one out on your mirror or make it your screensaver on your phone.
2. You Are Enough
So what if your cookies are slightly burnt? Who cares if some of the lights are out on your tree? You aren’t going to make the perfect rib roast every single time. You may feel the pressure to be the top elf in the class. Go easy on yourself. Fight the tendency to be distracted by keeping up and be certain that you are enough.
3. You Have No Comparison
In a nutshell, this is the best advice I can give you, whatever stage of life you are in. What matters the most this season is the memories you are making for yourself, the people in your life, your family, and your friends. When you start to doubt who’s you are, if you are enough, or wonder if you don’t measure up-remember, nothing compares to you.
Swimming Upstream With You,
Toby