Strangers on the internet

I’ve been struck recently by the recognition of just how much time I used to devote to comparing myself to strangers on the internet. Closer to home, I also lost countless hours comparing what was happening inside my head to the outward-facing image others presented of themselves. I’ve noticed that I’m not doing it as much as I once did.

Of course, I still do it sometimes. I’m human and old habits are hard to break. The difference is that now I’m aware I’m doing it and I can choose to stop.

To me, the growth is in retaining my power to make choices. The aim isn’t to be perfect and never fall into the trap of self-defeating comparison, but rather to maintain my own agency in determining how I let those thoughts occupy brain space.

I’m making progress.