Why your Journey is Creatively Peculiar to you.
Never compare your journey with someone else. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. — anonymous.
Let me begin by quoting this verse from the Bible: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an unusual people. Every person on this planet is unique in their own way, and because of the differences in individuals, our environments, ideas, lifestyles, beliefs, religions, and cultures all differ.
This is why each individual has a unique story to tell. Consider the example of a boy who grew up in a refugee camp. His view of the world will be quite different from one whose parents raised him in a warm and comfortable environment. The reality we live in is not always fair. Trying to compare yourself to others could be as deadly as a bullet to the chest.
Humans are prone to compare, even nature does so. You see, plants are planted in the same way but come out in different sizes and shapes. Birds, animals, and insects are diverse and, unlike us, they don’t compare themselves to one another. They know what their purpose is and keep it in mind.
Humans, however, have something else in mind. Humans compare themselves to others and this can have positive or negative effects on them. A comparison with a mentor or someone more experienced in your field can be good for you if it is about becoming better in your field. However if your comparison focuses on what you lack in comparison to what your mentor or someone above you has, that is damaging.
Comparing yourself to others can lead you to deny what you have accomplished, especially if you have worked hard to get there.
In the long run, negative comparisons can result in depression, low self-esteem, and low self-image if not handled properly. However, social media has not made it any easier. Every day, our timelines are flooded with pictures, videos, and text about exciting events, vacations, and awards. Seeing these things makes one wonder what is going on in their lives and why things are the way they are.
There are some things you see that make you ask, “God when?”. Be careful not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be this and that, while forgetting that your journey is unique to you.
Don’t compare yourself to others, it’s not a contest. Once you compare yourself to others you automatically make comparisons. What the person you’re comparing yourself with encountered during their journey in life, you may not be able to bear or go through as much as they did.
Your journey is creatively peculiar to you because you are unique. Consequently, stay focused on what you are already doing and step back sometimes to let your gaze rest on others. However, if you must compare, do so based on who you were in the past and who you are today.
