Compare Less | Grateful More

Comparison, especially comparing ourselves to the images we see on social media, can rob us of the ability to hold court with our personal strengths and abilities. We compare ourselves to a facade of perfection and find our lives lacking. While small amounts of comparison may help motivate us or provide a standard of sorts with which to reflect our growth, most times, it makes us feel less than. We’ve got better things to do. Listen in as I discuss some alternatives, all designed to help you bathe in the light of your achievements. You can grow faster and stronger from this positive place.

In this episode, I touch on:

• Upward and downward social comparison theory
• The negative effects of social comparison on self-esteem, mood, and mental health
• Ways to reduce social media consumption with restorative and self-affirming activities like gratitude journaling, building supportive friends, and finding a creative, social network through in-person events.

Poem: Not a Redwood Tree

Music: (My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.)

Songs in this episode: Quartz Crisis by Sam Barsh; Winning Streak by JeesGuy; The
Astronaut by Neon Beach; Uptown Shuffle by Lunareh; Pyaar Kee Seemaen by Cast of Characters

LTVF Season One Music Playlist: Check out the songs that inspire me, and connect with artists from many genres who add to our collective, human soundtrack.

Resources:

Social Comparison Theory in Psychology

5 Ways Meditation Is Like a Monet

BRIC Media

Journal Prompts:

1. What situations, people, or accomplishments have made me feel grateful today? Examine your list and take a few moments to connect to each grateful moment.
2. When I am mindful of gratitude, how does it color my mood and change my thinking?
3. Write about something that seems small or simple but adds to your life in big ways. Why are you grateful for that small thing?

Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com