Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy; You ARE Enough

lifestyle blogger naty michele wearing a camel and black outfit “Comparison is the thief of joy.” 

Last week, I was not in the right head space, hence my radio silence. I took a few days away from social media. I even decided to skip fashion week this season. It was definitely needed.

As much as I hate to admit it, I got caught up in the comparison game. You know that game. The one where you lose every time.

I got in my own head and allowed the negative thoughts to seep through the forefront of my mind. Instead of ignoring them, I let them overpower me and my emotions. I’m not sure exactly what triggered this, but I do know that it was a culmination of many things.

It’s not my proudest moment, but one that I felt was necessary to bring to the light. Why? Because we all go through it at some point or another and it’s OK to be honest about it. It’s OK to talk about it.

One of the biggest problems with comparing yourself to others is that it makes you feel as though you are not good enough. You begin to question your own value and lose sight of all that you have.

You know this. I know this. Yet somehow, we end up playing the game anyway. I try my best to keep a positive mentality as often as I can. I also try to follow the advice that I give to others. Sometimes, against my better judgement, I fall short.

Last week, I hit a real low point, but thankfully I didn’t let it go on for too long. Insert one of my favorite quotes here:

“It’s ok to have a meltdown, just don’t unpack and live there.”

Whether we decide to be open enough to discuss it or not, we all go through breakdowns. I personally choose to write about it and share it with you all because I need you to know that you are not alone in how you feel.

Here’s a few things that helped pull me out of the funk:

  1. I worked out. Regardless of how I felt, I tried to stay active.
  2. I took time away from the Internet. I didn’t worry about posting my next photo or sharing my day on Insta Stories. I just focused on me and my thoughts.
  3. I gave myself time to go through the motions and then figured out what I needed to change.
  4. I did a little retail therapy and you know what? It helped.
  5. I shared my thoughts with a close friend, vented, talked it out and then I wrote about it. It felt like a weight had been lifted.
  6. I got up, got dressed and got out of the house. (Don’t underestimate the power of a good outfit)
  7. I surrounded myself with good company and even better energy.
  8. I reminded myself that I am good enough. That I have value. And that I have SO much to bring to the table.

I’m in a much better place with myself than I was last Monday. There’s no guarantee that I won’t ever go through that again, but in a crazy way this made me stronger.

These photos were taken towards the end of my mini meltdown. I woke up last Thursday, decided to put on my own version of a “power suit” and pushed myself to continue doing what I love.

You probably would have never known what I was personally feeling unless I told you. And I’m happy that I told you because I hope my own setbacks can be a reminder that you can and will get through yours, no matter how big or small.

When I briefly shared what I was feeling last week, I received so many incredible messages. The common thread between them all was that you feel a connection with me. I can’t thank you enough for telling me that as it helped me more than you know.

Sometimes we need to experience these lows so that we can find new ways to lift ourselves back up. We are all amazing and have so much to offer, regardless of where we are at in our lives. There is enough room and enough light for all of us to shine. No matter what, please always remember that you are good enough; you ARE enough. 

Thanks so much for reading. Now let’s go crush our goals this week!

 

What I’m Wearing
Coat: H&M [old, similar here & here] | Top: via Stitch Fix [similar] | Pants: Forever21 | Bag: Zara [love this one] Shoes: old, similar Beret: Forever21

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  1. Simply stated and beautifully written! Thank you so much for sharing. So many women are used to playing the strong role, that we forget we are human too. I found that taking time away from social helps b/c honestly, real life is what matters!

    • Naty

      Thank you, Maya! You are so right about so many of us playing the strong role. We definitely forget that it’s ok to break sometimes. Appreciate you reading this! xo

  2. One of the reasons I’m glad you shared this is because i often think that people with large platforms, don’t experience this. I’ll tell myself that successful people don’t feel this way so just the fact that I’m feeling it – is further proof that I’m not successful.

    Obviously, I’m wrong. Lol

    I know it’s not true, and yet I often believe it. I had a bought of comparing myself as well the week before you and I felt awful. So seeing this REALLY touched me because I consider you to be a success. So THANK YOU for choosing to share a part of your own mentality with us that many are scared to admit to. I’m proud of you for getting through it and teaching us all!

    • Naty

      Oh girl, I promise you that we ALL go through it, even the ones who never talk about it. Don’t ever think that those feelings mean you are not successful. We are all successful in our own ways and that goes so far beyond our follower count. I always appreciate your support and kindness it seriously means so much! Thank you for reading and I’m so happy this post resonated with you! xo

  3. I so appreciate your willingness to be real about your low moments. So much to learn from! Glad you’re feeling a bit better. xx

  4. Naty

    and I appreciate YOU! Thanks for being so supportive! xo

  5. Oh Naty, I feel like this all the time. Reading your thoughts on this issue has made me feel so much better and has lifted my spirit. Thank you so much for always being so honest and open about your feelings. Love you! 🤗

    • Naty

      So happy this post made you feel better and lifted your spirits! Thanks so much for reading this. So much love to you! xo

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