From Comparison to Self-Love: A Journey of Transformation
Hey, friends! I hope you enjoyed the latest episode of the I Am M.U.C.H. Woman Podcast. I had such a great time interviewing my sweet friend and lovely neighbor. Her story about her faith and fitness journey is both powerful and inspiring. What I loved most about our conversation was Emily’s transparency and her willingness to share openly and honestly. I especially appreciated her reflections on the times she’s felt jealous of other women and how she learned to redirect those feelings in a healthy way.
Years ago, I gained some unplanned pounds, and I remember feeling so uncomfortable and unhappy with how I looked and felt. I had been used to maintaining a certain weight for years, so this new body wasn’t something I was at all familiar with. I also remember, during that time, looking at other women with envy and frustration. It was a tough season because it impacted how I related to others. I remember being invited to a brunch with several women I hadn’t met before, and instead of entering the space with excitement to meet new people, I found myself judging every woman in the room.
Here’s the thing: as someone with CliftonStrengths “Woo” in my top 10, I genuinely enjoy meeting new people. In fact, it’s something that motivates me. So, to walk into that room and feel completely out of sync with myself was difficult. I struggled to control the negative thoughts and feelings swirling in my mind. The insecurity I felt was real.
After that brunch, I made a decision—I didn’t want to feel that way again. I didn’t want to look at another woman with anger or jealousy because she looked great. I didn’t want to miss any opportunities to connect authentically with others. So, as soon as I got home, I made the decision to take control of my health. I learned about eating smaller meals six times a day and joined a CrossFit gym. With discipline and effort, just four months later, I was back to a size that felt right for me. That’s when I noticed something—how I saw myself and how I saw other women changed for the better.
As Emily shared, I had to take responsibility for myself first. I had to take care of me. Scripture reminds us in Galatians 6:4-5: “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” I love this verse because it’s clear—when we focus on our own work and growth, we no longer feel the need to compare ourselves to others. Amen. That’s exactly what happened for me. When I focused on myself and worked hard, I was satisfied with the results, and I no longer compared myself to anyone else.
Recently, our pastor shared a profound thought: “Hurting people hurt people, but loved people love people.” If I love myself well, then I have no problem loving others. Mark 12:29-31 reminds us of this commandment: “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to focus on ourselves and make the changes we need to make. It’s easy to see others as the problem rather than looking inward. But, I’m so grateful to the Lord for His Word and His presence as we transform and become more like Him.
Reflection Question: What is one area in your life where you feel challenged to focus on yourself first, rather than comparing yourself to others? How can you take steps to honor yourself in this area?
As you reflect, I am praying with you and for you. You got this!
To God be the Glory Forever, Amen.