Comparison is The Thief of Joy

I was watching an old video on YouTube by LessOfSarah and she was talking about the habit we have of comparing ourselves to others, especially in the weight loss community. And she's right. I'm very early in my process right now. I haven't even started my pre-op diet. Am I trying to get prepared for it? Am I trying to learn as much as possible from these wonderful YouTubers? You bet your butt I am. But I also have to admit that I'm drawing a comparison already. You can't tell me that you don't watch someone's 2, 3, 4 month post-op video and think "as long a I do that good that will be awesome."

We shouldn't define our awesome by someone else's journey. I'll admit I've done it. As a teen my mother and I did W.W together. As long as I beat her I was happy. But someone else's ability and progress shouldn't define my progress. Your journey is yours and mine is mine. Are we happy we can be there for each other? Sure it's always nice not to feel like we're alone in the world. You're not alone and I'm not alone. We have each other, but we have individual unique backgrounds with it. It doesn't mean we don't relate to one another, we do, it just means that we are utilizing our sympathies and understanding to do so. I'm so excited for everyone moving into this journey and everyone who's come before us. I thank them for their videos and blogs. They have helped inspire me and give me confidence in my choice and my process.

I can admit that I am one of those big girls with low confidence. I have a confidence mask. I pull it out when I have to be in public and social. I act like I'm all happy go lucky and that all is right with the world. But the truth is that I do that cuz that's what people like. I'm really introverted and would rather be left alone. I don't take risks with myself, my emotions, or my life. And I tell you what. That's boring and has left me a bit unhappy. I guess the first thing to do is start with one thing at a time. My fear of failure has to be kicked. It prevents me from even doing things. If I can fail at it I don't do it. Well as I'm sure anyone older than me would say nothing is gained without risk. I'm trying to learn that.