For you who want to cherish yourself. Embracing the feeling of comparing yourself to others

Hello.

In the morning, you casually open your smartphone and browse social media.

A friend watching the sunrise at the beach, someone attending a lively birthday party, or a post from a stranger saying, "I finally achieved my dream" scrolls by.

At times like that, don't you ever feel a sudden sense of unease?

"How is my life going?"

Feeling envious, or thinking you need to work harder, too.
Feeling relieved somewhere, or conversely, feeling anxious. Various emotions intersect.

But that might just be natural.

It seems like we are looking at other people's posts, but
in reality, we might always beviewing the world through "ourselves",
I think.

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A moment when you suddenly stop

Last year, my spouse and I moved to the Kanto region.

It was when I was leaving my parents' home and going around to greet the neighbors before moving.

One person listened to my story and suddenly said this.

"You see, I'm thinking of having my daughter take over this house."

When I heard those words...
"Ah, perhaps this person also thought a little about their own life after listening to mine," I felt.

When people hear about someone else's choices, they might, without realizing it, find themselves reflecting on their own choices and their future.

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Is comparing a bad thing?

In psychology, there is a term called "Social Comparison Theory".

People often compare themselves to others to understand their own standing and value.

But perhaps that isn't such a bad thing after all.

We might be inspired by a friend's success, or see someone else's failure and think, 'I should be careful, too.'

Sometimes, through comparison, we can even discover our true feelings and genuine desires.

While comparing yourself to others can make you feel down, there might be a tiny hint hidden there—a chance to look at who you are right now.

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Cherishing yourself

Hearing that 'people are ultimately only interested in themselves' might sound a bit cold.

But to me, it doesn't feel that way...

I think it might actually mean that you are just being truly serious about your own life.

As we observe the actions and words of others, we are constantly asking ourselves, 'What do I want to do?' and 'How do I want to live?'

I, too, used to often put my own feelings aside, thinking I had to meet the expectations of those around me or conform to others.

But one day, I suddenly realized something.

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“Self-care” is returning to yourself

It means not being swayed by others, but being honest with your own feelings.

Instead of seeking someone else's approval, try asking yourself, “How am I feeling right now?”

I believe that “self-care” is, little by little, “returning to yourself” in that way.

People can only see the world through their own eyes.

So, I feel that treating that “self” with kindness and care will surely make your relationships with those around you kinder as well.

Try accepting the fact that you are "only interested in yourself" not as a negative, but as a positive.

Gently say to yourself, "It's okay to be that way."

Doesn't that alone make today feel a little warmer?

✧˙⁎⋆This is an article about "self-care."
I am writing about why we think negatively... and how to change those habits of the heart.

✧˙⁎⋆This one is about the relationship between "self-care" and resilience (mental recovery power).
I also write about its relationship with self-esteem, so please stop by if you have the time.

May you have a day filled with "love" today as well.

#SelfCare #WayOfLife #Awareness
#SelfReflection #ReadingMaterial #Essay