'Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy'

But, as humans, we're going to do it anyway ...

With Mental Health Awareneed Week upon us (11th to 14th May), I found myself thinking about a piece of advice that's stayed with me for a long time, especially on the days when my brain is a little louder than usual. 

I first came across this quote not long before I created this blog, at a time when I needed something like it ... even if I didn't realise I was looking for it. 

'The only writer to whom you should compare yourself is the writer you were yesterday' - David B. Schlosser

Something about this has always stuck with me. Perhaps because it feels kinder.

Or, because no matter how much life - or that voice in our heads - tries to pull us into comparison, this gives us a way to gently step back out of it. 

It's so easy - especially in this digital age - to look around and feel like we're falling short.

Someone always seems more successful, more talented, futher ahead, more together. And that hits hard.

But Schlosser's quote shifts the focus completely. 

Instead of asking: 'Why am I not where they are?'

It invites a different question: 'Am I further along than I was yesterday?'

And that feels possible. 

I've even found this idea can be applied far beyond writing too, which has been really encouraging. 

The only version of yourself (any part of yourself) you should measure against is the one you were yesterday

Not last year. 

Not someone else.

And definitely not an impossible standard.

Just you.

For me, this has been especially important during the harder mental health periods - the ones were everything feels heavier, slower, and harder to navigate. Because on those days, 'progress' doesn't always look impressive. 

Sometimes, it's just opening your documents, (re)writing a few sentences, choosing to keep going. It all counts ... more than it might feel like it does. 

So, instead of asking myself how I can be more like someone else, I try to ask: what would make today just a little better than yesterday?

Not perfect.

Not extraordinary.

Just, a step forward.

Because, when all is said and done, you are you. That's not something to measure against others - it's something to build on.

Keep your eyes peeled for more news on my writing here and on my Instagram!