Comparison is the Thief of Joy

“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 Do you struggle with “comparison”, that ridiculous feeling of “less than”? Or, “If I just” statements?” I have observed, even people that look like they have it all together, struggle with insecurities in some form. We allow the whispers of doubt to creep in. We may feel completely confident in our career, but maybe not in our marriage. We may feel secure with our friendships but not our home. We may be content with our body, yet still focus on the “flaws”. How often does our vision blur by taking our eyes off what we have and place them on the things we do not have? This has been an issue from the beginning of time. In Genesis, we learn of a woman named Eve, who literally had everything: security, beauty, significance. Yet Satan was able to whisper doubt into her innermost self. Not only did she begin doubting who she was; she began to doubt who God was. I’m not judging Eve, I see myself in her. My innervoice, that says I’m not good enough, not smart enough, I’m either too young or too old. I’m losing the battle of raising teens. I need to be more fit. I’m not like these other women, who are career focused. We spend so much energy comparing ourselves by trying to define who we are by others standards. This comparison trap will only leave us feeling exhausted. We either pat ourselves on the back for being better than that person, or we spend our time focused on our imperfections and trying to hide them. The mindset of doing more and being more… will never be obtained. With all this comparing and competing - we miss the point. Of being who we were created to be for larger purposes than ourselves. Let’s take EXERCISE for example. How do you play the Comparison Game? We compare by looks, size, time, energy, genetics, ability, and money. “I can’t afford a gym membership. My body type just doesn’t respond to working out. I don’t have the motivation to workout at home. My stage of life is too busy, she’s been working out her whole life, no wonder she looks like that. I’ve let myself go for too long.” I’m tired from typing out those reasons/excuses. We have exhausted ourselves and didn’t burn one calorie. So what if we changed the game completely. One hour of exercise is 4% of our day. We each have that amount of time to invest in our health. I’m convinced if we don’t invest now, we will be spending much more than 4% of our time in doctors offices and laying around not feeling well later in life. This same concept applies to the cost of exercise. Going on a walk/run, doing push ups and sit ups, getting on one of the millions of apps out there, or finding a placewhether its a friends home or affordable gym is goingto cost way less than doing nothingat all and then paying for doctor and hospital bills later down the road. Regarding genetics. I understand hormones can wreak havoc on our bodies and there are autoimmune issues out of our control. SO let’s focus on what you can control. You are one of the following, learn your body type and how to best utilizefitness and nutrition according to your specific body type. ● Ectomorph: Tall and Lean may struggle building muscle ● Endomorph: Pear Shaped with a tendency to store body fat ● Mesomorph: Muscular and well-built, higher metabolism and responsive muscle cells My prayer for us is Philiappians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day Jesus returns.” Today, put on those blinders. Don’t look at that super cute bouncy 25 year old new mom that got her body back faster than you can put on your tennis shoes. Don’t look at the gym goer who can afford the most expensive gym in town and is there every day for hours on end. Don’t look at the posts on social media of all the newest eating fads. Keep it simple. Get up, set a plan, get accountability, and move. Build up not only your body muscles but your self discipline muscles. Stop your mind from negativity - So what if you have yo-yo’ed for the last ten years. So what if those around you don’t believe you will stick with it. So what if you do great one week and “fall off the wagon” over pizza and a piece of chocolate cake… I say this ALL the time. Your fitness is a JOURNEY. Make it fun! And, remember we are enough in Christ. We have security in Christ. We have purpose in Christ. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Peace and Grace,

Kristie Kwan

K2 Fit Smart Snacks