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When Comparison Becomes the Thief of Joy: Staying Focused on Your Recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and when you stop to consider the magnitude of this statement, you can begin to understand the reality of these words.
No matter what position you might be in life and in your eating disorder recovery journey, comparing yourself to others can quickly diminish your own focus, progress, and determination in the light of what others are doing or accomplishing.
This has resonated even more so in our society today that is ruled by social media, where individuals can carefully craft an image to reveal exactly what they want the world to see.
Being Conscious of Comparison
Whether you are scrolling through your social media platforms or surrounded by other people, begin to be aware and mindful of your perception of others. Are you silently comparing yourself to others, either by appearance, body, achievements, success, even progress in eating disorder recovery? Once you become aware of these patterns, you can more easily begin challenging this form of thinking that too easily can take away from your own identify.
The reality is that we are each walking our own journey, filled with unique adventures, struggles, challenges, joys, and more. Comparing yourself to others, either consciously or subconsciously, only strips away the unique aspects that make up your own life. Falling down this mindset can build negative emotions as well, such as resentment, anger, frustration, depression, and the like.
Practicing an Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude is perhaps the antithesis to comparison. If you find yourself falling into a mindset of comparison, be quick to find something that you are grateful for. Reflect on the things in your life that you appreciate rather than dwelling on what you do or do not have compared to another person. This is especially true in eating disorder recovery.
You cannot understand the depth of a person through a simple image posted on social media, and such comparison tactics are often futile. Focus on your journey while mindfully appreciating the aspects of your life that you are grateful for.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are some ways you can practice gratitude in your own recovery journey?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 8, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
