Since the beginning of this year, I've dedicated myself to building a stronger relationship with God. The blend of good and bad experiences from the past year stirred a deep desire within me to draw closer to Him, to lean in a little more. And that's exactly what I've done. Alongside my friends, we've embraced monthly themes to focus our growth and reflection. This month, our journey has centered around forgiveness and ending the cycle of comparison—two of the most challenging issues many of us face.
It may seem unconventional to approach a blog post like a journal entry, but it's essential for me to show up here as authentically and uniquely myself. In doing so, I hope to remind you that your journey, too, is uniquely yours and equally valuable.
Forgiveness and ending comparison, for me, are deeply interconnected. To move past comparison, I've realized I must first forgive myself. I need to forgive myself for not fully appreciating the uniqueness that I've been blessed with and for sometimes viewing my journey through the lens of others' paths.
Today, I want to extend an encouragement—or perhaps a wake-up call—to you. It's time to cease the endless cycle of comparing yourself to those around you. Each of us is on a distinct path, marked by our victories, struggles, and growth. When we spend our time looking sideways, envying another's journey, we miss the beauty and lessons in our own.
To navigate these challenges, I've adopted a three-pronged approach:
Staying in the Word: I've committed to daily engagement with scripture, leveraging the YouVersion Bible App for guided Bible plans. This consistent, structured approach keeps me anchored in truth and light, providing daily reminders of God's love and our inherent worth beyond worldly measures. PERIOD!
Curating My Consumption: I'm taking deliberate steps to ensure that what I consume on social media nourishes my soul and aligns with my journey. This means purging my feed of negativity and gossip, and instead, filling it with content that uplifts, educates, and speaks to my current station in life. The pages I follow now reflect the positive input I seek, creating a digital environment that supports my growth and well-being. I want that for you.
Here are some pages I'm following on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/healinghuesoffaith/
https://www.instagram.com/feedherwisdom/
https://www.instagram.com/_she_rises_/
https://www.instagram.com/amiracleeveryday.insta/
Focusing on My Own Path: I'm learning the importance of "watching my own paper," as they say. This involves praying for the strength to stay in my lane, and focused on my progress without distraction from the achievements or paths of others. It's a practice of mindfulness and gratitude, recognizing the value of my journey and trusting in God's plan for me. No one is created the same, we are all unique.
Remember, comparison steals joy, while forgiveness sets us free. It's freeing to forgive others, but it's transformative to forgive ourselves. In doing so, we open our hearts to appreciate our unique gifts, talents, and the individual journey God has laid out for us.
Commit to embracing your path with grace and gratitude, acknowledging that while others' journeys might inspire us, they should never diminish the value of our own. Our relationship with God flourishes in this space of self-acceptance and trust in His plan for us.
This process is not easy, and the journey is far from over. But with each step, I'm learning to walk in forgiveness and to cast aside comparison, embracing the path God has laid out for me. If you're struggling with similar issues, know that you're not alone. We are all works in progress, beautifully flawed and constantly evolving under God's grace.
Let's vow to be kinder to ourselves, to forgive, and to celebrate our individuality. Your path is yours alone—rich, unique, and divinely appointed. Walk it with your head held high, eyes fixed on the one who guides us all.
Thank you for walking this path with me, for sharing in the vulnerabilities and victories. Together, let's look forward with hope and a renewed sense of purpose, anchored in the love and acceptance of our Creator.
Here's to a life lived authentically, free from the shadows of comparison and brimming with the light of forgiveness and self-love.
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