Comparisonitis. We’ve all suffered from it one time or another. It is an easy trap to fall into. But what do you do when the comparison is your own ideal, and it doesn’t match up? Changing gears, refocusing or just dumping your ideal on how your homeschool should be is not always easy. As moms who do it all sometimes it’s not easy to let go of what we think should be, and be content with reality.
Many times this false ideal is born from looking at what others have, or following someone either in real life or social media that appears to have the perfect life, look, family, what have you. The problem is, that is their reality to hold and not ours. When we continually look at how others teach their children, raise their kids, and maintain their relationships it can lead us down a path of discontentment. Ultimately it’s a path that leads to unfulfillment and the feeling of lack.
I’ve seen many moms and homeschools seriously hurt by comparisonitis and the fruit of missing the mark that it brings. Your relationships should lift you up in your pursuit of the Lord and pursuit of homeschooling your children. While you can’t avoid unpleasant situations 100% of the time, if you are finding yourself in play groups, friendships, or co-ops where you are left with more “want” than “fulfillment”, it’s time to change your circle of influence!
The internet is a huge resource for homeschooling resources and supplementation. Social media is a great place to network with other moms for information and inspiration. However, it’s also a place where “bragitis” and “I got it all togetheritis” runs rampant. If you are following someone who makes you feel less than the mom you are, it’s time to hit that unfollow button!
Be careful who you give your time and attention to. Make sure those you allow in your inner circle both personally and virtually are edifying you, exhorting, and encouraging you. Anything less leads to discontentment and the exhaustion that comes from trying to be all, do all and represent all to everyone. All you have to do, be, and represent is what God calls you to do, be, and represent. That is only variety of comparisonitis we as homeschool moms should be “suffering” from!
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. — Galatians 6:4-5
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. — 2 Corinthians 10:12
And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. — 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
