Comparison Killed the Cat

The cat cannot flutter and explore equivalent heights as the butterfly. It can't find food by tasting with it's feet, help fruits, vegetables, and flowers produce new seeds by pollination, OR sense ultraviolet light and emit it from its wings... but what it can do is detect movement in low light with its stellar senses, perform acrobatically with excellent balance, AND literally help with healing by the frequency of its purr!

Both individuals carry extraordinary abilities, and similarly to the cat and the butterfly... the same is true for every being!

Comparison is INEVITABLE! It's a common human tendency, but there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy comparison... so let me break it down:

Healthy comparison can motivate us to achieve our goals and improve our lives. It inspires us to make positive changes, which is great! & it requires curiosity (which certainly does not kill the cat).

Unhealthy comparison leaves us feeling negative, focusing on unfair, unrealistic, or unattainable comparisons to our ideal selves or others, which can be toxic. This is unfortunately the result of judgment (which actually kills the cat!).

We don't talk about it enough, but it's HUGE to actively avoid comparing ourselves to others through judgment... & even so, cautioning our expectations takes skills!

Side note: Expectations that are too high can have negative effects on others such as low self-esteem, mental health issues, stress & anxiety, and a lack of balance. High expectations will leave us expressing disappointment in others' actions, which is NO BUENO! - Displaying both judgment and high expectations comes with icky energy and teaches unhealthy habits to those around us, especially observing children.

Stepping into this danger zone can either make or break us... so you see, it's a significant choice to tread lightly. I'd like to point out three ideas that are key in understanding:

1. EVERYONE'S DIFFERENT. I mean, have you ever really met two people who were entirely the same?... that's because it's literally impossible. Everyone has their own special mixture of personality traits, likes & dislikes, life experiences, and strengths & weaknesses... along with accomplishments.
   

2. NOBODY'S PERFECT. Perfection is far out of reach... and that's because it does not exist. We're all going to mess up one way or another but as long as we're trying our best, we're on the right path!
   

3. MAMAHOOD IS NOT A COMPETITION. It's not about being better than others OR being right or wrong. What works for one will not always work for another... and that's ok!

Now, this extraordinary cat is learning to embrace these keys, which have had a substantial impact on both her mental health and ability to carry on with her current relationships.

You know how they say you lose friends when you have kittens? Well this cat was lucky enough to gain an amazing village by creating bonds with other mamas in her community. She never expected such a blessing in disguise, but it has turned out to be such an influential experience as a first time mama! I mean, these cats persistently text the group chat with check-ins, pictures, videos, questions, advice, and even meet up weekly for walks in the park! This lovely group is learning how to communicate effectively & have been there for each other through the highs and lows, every step of the way! - which can be oh so helpful.

At the time, it was quite an adjustment for the cat within this new dynamic... and can even still feel challenging at times. Truth is, it's easy peasy to feel judged when connecting with other mamas. There's your way and their way, old ways and new ways. Being open and sharing our worlds in this energetic field can be such a scary thing! But in this particular stage of her life, she's learning how much effort and self improvement it takes in order to both build and keep such wonderful connections.

She's learning how extremely humbling this experience is for her because others are like mirrors and she understands that self improvement doesn't happen over night... it's something we continuously work on throughout our entire lives! There are triggers around every corner and there'll be times when we feel tested to the max... but running away is not an option.

Whenever she's faced with a challenge, she remembers that everyone's different, nobody's perfect, and mamahood is not a competition. The combination of these three keys work in her favor and shine forth!

Comparison can ruin relationships, opportunities, and even our mental health if we let it! It's absolutely necessary to check ourselves when comparison arises because cynical behavior is effortless, but to be pragmatic is formidable!

This cat is certain that every cat is really out here winging it!!!! So there's no need to judge. As an alternative, she's leading with curiosity! Choosing a healthier route by remaining open and learning from others, while supporting those in her alley.

As you can see, this cat tries her best not to compare through judgment

- but only curiosity, because she's learning to love who she is, while wholeheartedly accepting others for who they are.

She knows if she crosses that road without looking both ways, there will be consequences.

So please... whatever you do,

don’t let comparison kill your cat!

✨🌻Nah•ma•stay•healthy🌻✨