Alright, so here's the thing, folks – do you find yourself doing that thing where you're just constantly sizing yourself up against everyone else? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. We, as women, are pretty adept at this particular past-time. I did a Facebook reel recently on comparison, and it resonated with a lot of people. It’s an old adage, that comparison is the thief of joy, but it keeps coming up because it is true. Seriously, it's time we put an end to this madness. Buckle up, because I've got a story for you.

Three Wise Women and the Exercise Class Drama

Picture this: It’s a true story. Three older women, outside an exercise class, peeking in like they're checking out a secret club. One of them whispers nostalgically, "Oh, to be young again." It has depths to it, this statement. But here's the kicker – that very class they're looking in on could have been doing the same to a younger bunch of women. It's like a treadmill of envy, and trust me, it's time to press the stop button.

We're all in our own grown-up versions of those "developmental stages" that people talk about with kids. Remember when someone would say, "Oh, he's going through his 'why' phase"? Or, it’s all about “age and stage”. Well, we're living our own versions of that. Life's a bit of a comedy sketch at times, and we're all just trying to nail our lines.

Unleash Your Inner Lioness and Rock the Present Moment

You know, life's got its trends just like fashion does, and the fear of missing out is one of this era. But here's the twist – what's cooler than the latest must-have accessory? Embracing the present and, dare I say it, enjoying your uniqueness like a boss. Yep, that's right, gratitude is the way forwards. As Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck, sagely stated, “You too are going to die, and that's because you too were fortunate enough to have lived”.

But hold the phone, there's more. There's always someone older, someone younger, more confident, less confident. But let's break it down: there's always someone with more ice cubes in their glass and someone with less, in this life of cocktails and dreams (oh, not sure where that Tom Cruise ref came in, but let’s run with it!), Can you see where I’m going with this? But here's the thing, my friend – you're the lead character in your own story, and that show's running for a long, long season. So why waste your time comparing storylines when you could be busy crafting your own? It’s not for everyone. But it’s yours. And you’re not for everyone. But you are for you. And for those who love you. And, boy, I know how long that lesson can take to sink in, believe me.

Embrace Liberation: The Joy of Being a Newbie

Hold onto your hats, 'cause here comes a plot twist bigger than a rom-com finale. Imagine you've never run a mile in your life (perhaps you haven’t). Picture this: you're a newbie, a blank canvas, and you know what? You're off the hook when it comes to comparing yourself to seasoned runners.

And here's a wee droplet of wisdom for you – don't even bother comparing yourself to your younger self. And if you’ve never run before, even better. You can’t compare your performance to back in the old days, then. Pretty liberating. The freedom that comes with ditching the comparison game is like finding a hidden stash of chocolate in the back of your wardrobe that the kids haven’t found – pure bliss.

Ditch “The Thief of Joy” Baggage

So, friends, here's the deal – it's time to dump the comparison baggage. Let’s face it, we never really know what those whose impressive stats we covet have going on either. Everyone has their own comparison baggage, and you bet they will have theirs, too. Your story? It's a one-of-a-kind episode, and you're the star. So embrace the chaos, and adopt a favourite mantra (“Tit’s Up” ala my favourite alter ego Susie Myerson from The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), and let the comparison frenzy fade away like yesterday's gossip.

The Only Reason To Compare Is When…

… You’re looking for inspiration. If it motivates you towards your goal, then it is a goer. Let’s face it we all understand the hero’s journey from our favourite movies and books. We look at rags to riches stories, and soak them up. Because these types of things are different. These are drivers that help us to make positive changes. This powers the “If they can, I can” mentality. Where it goes wrong is when we compare ourselves poorly to others. This allows our inner critic to run amok, causing us anxiety, stress, and leaving us firmly stuck in procrastination. It gives our fixed mindset a free rein to hold us back. This is not what we’re after.

And oh, just in case you need a little push, I've got a treat for you. Check out my FREE 10 Steps Guide to Start Running, because your story deserves all the self-love and sass you can give it. And, no, you definitely DO NOT need to adorn a balaclava, sunglasses, and a false moustache so that you are not seen. As my late great aunt used to say “Nobody’s looking at you”. I think she meant it kindly.