Pulling the cord on your comparachute

Do you have your own comparachute? I find them very handy.

On days when I am not at my best, a little tired, overwhelmed or stressed, I can start comparing my work history and educational achievements with others. I look at all those other intriguing or prestigious roles out there that I never did. Or focus on attributes I don't have and see in others - considering their perceived confidence, smarts and energy with the current perception of my own.

So when the path I didn't take or the lack I see in myself starts to take hold, I stand up, countdown from five and pull an imaginary ripcord across my chest. I close my eyes and see myself being pulled up, up, up into a warm, clear blue sky and looking down on whatever ground I imagine that day - a patchwork of crops, a grassy paddock or an inviting coastline.

Sounds weird, huh? But I find having a physical response ready when I am triggered and could bring myself down is very helpful. Doing it makes me laugh, mostly.

Then I decide what I need to do. Is that enough and I can go on? Do I need to phone a friend? Can I take a walk or do some yoga? Have I eaten or had enough to drink? Should I take a nap? What will stop me hurtling to the ground and injuring myself?

When I first started experimenting with this, I could be inclined to be quite half-hearted. My efforts at releasing the ripcord looked pretty pathetic. But often that was still enough. Over time, I found it easier to tune into the vision of me shooting up in the sky and getting a better perspective.

Now I use it to get above all sorts of shitty situations. And it's not my only physical way of responding to less than ideal situations. Perhaps I'll tell you about those sometime.

Have you learned how to catch yourself when you are falling into comparing or undervaluing yourself?

#doonethingbetter #comparison #wellbeing #selfcare