The Inspire blog

It’s 2 a.m., and you’re on your phone, doom scrolling when you really shouldn’t be. And boom…there they are. That person. The one whose life seems perfectly put together.

Maybe it’s Instagram, where they’re on yet another vacation. Or worse…LinkedIn. Because nothing hits quite like seeing someone announce their fifth internship while you’re still hoping, praying, and manifesting your first.

You can’t help but feel a little sorry for yourself. “What am I doing wrong?” you mutter.

(Aside from scrolling TikTok at 2 a.m., of course.)

The Comparison Trap

Social media makes it ridiculously easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Everyone’s posting their highlight reels, their “big wins,” their perfect moments. And then there’s you. Just… existing.

It’s wild how this feeling doesn’t discriminate. School, career, faith, relationships…no matter what stage of life you’re in, there’s always someone who seems ahead. Unless you’re a literal baby or just too old to care. (In which case, congrats, you’ve won.)

Sometimes, it really does feel like life is speeding past some of us while we’re stuck at a red light.

So, Now What?

Here’s where I introduce you to my friend: Reflection.

Reflection has a best friend called Gratitude, and when they’re together, they’re basically unstoppable.

They say a reflective heart is a grateful one, and I’ve found that to be true. Because when I start spiraling…when it feels like I’ve been in the same place forever and everyone else is sprinting ahead, I turn to three things:

1. My Bible.
2. My journal.
3. My scrapbook.

Now, my journal isn’t just any journal. Like Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I write letters. But unlike Lara Jean, I don’t keep them hidden.

I write letters to someone who always listens. Someone who already knows everything about me. Sometimes I get answers, sometimes I don’t. But every time I read back on my own words, whether from two days, two months, or two years ago I see proof of something I tend to forget:

I have moved forward.

I have overcome things I once thought were impossible.

I am currently living out things I once prayed for.

And that right there? That’s proof that I am making progress. Maybe not at the same speed as everyone else, but I am.

The Only Person You’re Racing Is Yesterday’s You

At the end of the day, the only timeline that matters is your own. You’re not behind, you’re just on a different track.

So, get up. Get off your phone. And if you need a reminder of how far you’ve come, start reflecting.

Oh, and guess who I write my letters to?

Hint: His name starts with J, and He’s the most important person that ever lived. 😉