JumpStart National Give Someone a Cupcake Day (5/8/23)

Main Idea:  It's human nature to compare ourselves to the people around us. 

How many saying are there about comparison?  “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” or “Keeping up with the Joneses.”

Back when the human brain evolved, we had a small group of up to 80 people to compare ourselves with.  This comparison kept us all together.  

Now we have the ability to compare ourselves to anyone in the world with access to the Internet.

I’ve noticed that I tend to play the comparison game harder when I’m weaker:  physically tired, emotionally exhausted, or in pain.

I also am on my phone more often when I’m tired (or as my Grandma used to say, “I’m tired, worn out, broken down, and undone”).  And thus the downward spiral into self-pity, feelings of unworthiness, and search for like-minded connection and a community intensifies (and can lead to unhealthy relationships).

Remember three things:

1. We are all unique, and we are truly alive when we express ourselves
2. We have community for the hard times as well as the good
3. Self-awareness enables us to stop the downward spiral before it’s a freefall.

This week, try this: Ask yourself these two questions:  1) Who is your go-to person when things are tough? 2) For whom are you the go-to person when things are tough? People who can answer the first question are happier than those who can’t.  People who can also answer the second question are even happier.  The government of Bhutan actually uses these two questions to measure their Gross Domestic Happiness

Quote of the Week:  "We struggle with insecurity because we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel. 

Educator Resource:  Self-Esteem Worksheets - This treasure trove of resources is intended for therapists, but there are some things here that I could see using in the classroom.  If nothing else, they are a good idea generator/starting point for creating your own stuff, too.

Dad Joke:  Did you know that 10+10 and 11+11 are the same?  10+10=20; 11+11=22.

​Now’s the time when the self-care practice you’ve been cultivating will really show its benefits.  Don’t have one yet?  It’s never too late to start.