Life is Not a Competition

Social media has made it easier to stay up to date with the lives of friends and family. You can see who’s getting engaged, who has bought a house or rented an apartment, who’s getting married, who’s pregnant, who got a promotion or a new job…anything. Staying updated on others’ lives is a blessing- and a curse.

When you see others living a life that you only dream of, it can feel like you’re behind in life. I’ve been battling with that exact feeling off and on for a couple of years. While I’m watching past friends and family members getting on with their lives, I’ve often felt stuck. It can be frustrating because I feel like people are judging me over it.

But when I’ve talked to people about how I feel, the one thing that I’m constantly told is that it’s okay to be where I’m at right now. After all, life isn’t a competition.

When I first heard that notion, it gave me a lot of pause. It’s easy for someone who’s in a good place in life to say that life isn’t a competition. But the more I thought about the aforementioned phrase, the more I realized that it’s actually a true sentiment to live by. That’s because everyone is going at their own pace, just trying to get through life one day at a time. Why should we care about where other people are at in life?

I know how easy it is for me to tell you to to not care about such a thing. It can feel annoying, insulting even- especially if you’re currently dealing with a rough patch. But the fact of the matter is that life isn’t a competition after all. We’ll end up where we want to be eventually. Whether that happens in a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, you can reach your dreams and goals. You shouldn’t compare yourself or your life to someone else’s. Whether it’s someone you know or a complete stranger, the fact remains that life isn’t a competition. So slow down and take a deep breath- you’ll get to where you want to be on your own time.

What do you think about the notion that life isn’t a competition? Do you agree or disagree with it? Let me know it comments, or send me a message on social media!

xo,

Elizabeth