As a kid, my life followed the same path as everyone else. Comparison wasn’t even on my radar—until graduation.

In my late teens and early twenties, my friends were settling into serious relationships while I was settling into my first apartment.

By my mid-twenties, they were walking down the aisle—I was walking up three flights of stairs to my second apartment.

In my late twenties, they were having their first babies—I was adopting my first cat.

By my early to mid-thirties, they were on baby number two, three, or four—I got my second cat.

Then came social media, where I could compare my regular Tuesday night (watching Netflix in sweatpants) to their “We just bought a house and had another baby!” posts. Discontentment snuck in fast.

But God’s been working on teaching me a few things about contentment, and I want to share three tips that have helped me—so the next time you find yourself in a comparison spiral, you can climb out without adopting more cats.

Changing my perspective:

Romans 12:2 says, “To not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The world is more than happy to tell you what success is - a house, a new car, a spouse, 2.5 kids. But what if that’s not your story? Where do you go from there?

Instead of conforming to the world’s standards, I have to choose to align my mind with what God says. That means intentionally shifting my thoughts, rejecting negativity, and renewing my mind daily through His Word.

Practicing gratitude:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is one I’m having to constantly ask God’s help on. It feels unnatural to give thanks during difficult times especially when they make no sense. But God asks us to rejoice regardless and pray constantly. And it’s not a suggestion. It’s God’s will for us to do so.

To help me accomplish this, I need constant reminders that God sees me and He hasn’t forgotten me. I once saw where a girl bought a cute journal and a $20 pocket printer. Throughout the day she would take photos of things she saw God in and, at the end of the day, she would print those photos off, put them in her journal, and write out her thankfulness for them. I’ve started doing this and, I have to say, I love looking back and seeing God’s love in all of those little moments I forgot about.

Looking for opportunities to serve others:

“A generous person will be enriched; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

I believe that most women have this innate desire to care for something. Typically, that care goes towards their own families but what if you don’t have one?

I ready recently how despite our society being connected more than ever thanks to telephones and social media, loneliness is rampant. There are so many people in need of someone who cares.

I believe that if we look for opportunities to care for others, we’ll not only be helping them but also ourselves. We can find purpose, less focus on our own troubles, as well as community. Talk about a win!

Comparison isn’t a one-time battle; it’s an ongoing one. At least it is for me. But God’s grace and kindness to me and you are abundant and thank goodness they are. We’re all a work in progress and if what He’s teaching me can encourage you, then this journey is worth it.