From Comparison to Compassion: Reclaiming Joy This Summer

June arrives, and suddenly, comparison is everywhere. It’s in the beach photos, the vacation reels, the body-baring outfits, and the endless highlight reels of everyone else’s seemingly perfect summer. Whether you’re a therapist or someone trying to simply enjoy the season, it’s easy to get pulled into the trap of measuring your life—or your body—against someone else’s. And when we do that, joy and presence are usually the first things to go.

While we often associate comparison with body image, it shows up in so many other places, too. We compare our relationships, career milestones, family life, friendships, and how fulfilled or “together” we feel. In sessions, this might show up as vague dissatisfaction, burnout, imposter syndrome, or feeling "behind." The reality is, comparison usually targets the areas where we’re most vulnerable. It has a way of making us question whether we’re enough.

Summer tends to amplify this. There’s more visibility—more skin, more social gatherings, more curated images of “the good life.” And nowhere is this more evident than on the beach. “Bodies on the beach” becomes a full-blown mental event: who’s thinner, fitter, smoother, more confident? There’s a silent expectation to look “summer ready,” as though our worth is something seasonal. But this is where we pause and challenge the narrative: your body is not a before-and-after story. Your worth doesn’t change with the weather.

For clients, these internal messages can stir up deep body image struggles, resurface old wounds, or even trigger disordered behaviors. For professionals, this time of year is a critical moment to help people reconnect with themselves, protect their peace, and challenge the cultural noise.

Because comparison—whether about bodies, life stage, or success—isn’t just distracting. It’s harmful. It fuels shame and disconnects us from the truth of who we are. It creates a false finish line we never quite reach. And when we internalize that message enough, we can lose our ability to see what is going well, to feel proud of our own journey, and to appreciate the moments we’re actually living in.

So, how do we step out of this trap?

First, we name it. When you notice yourself spiraling into “compare and despair,” take a beat and ask: What am I really feeling right now? What part of me feels unsure or not enough? The comparison is usually a mask for deeper vulnerability.

Second, we interrupt it. Whether that’s muting a few social accounts, journaling about what you do value, or choosing an outfit that feels like you instead of what’s trending—small steps can bring you back to yourself. Remember: you don’t have to earn a beach day. You already belong.

Third, we reframe it. When we find ourselves admiring or envying something in someone else, we can turn it into curiosity: What is this showing me that I desire more of? This doesn’t have to be self-critical—it can be a gateway to clarity, intention, and growth.

Reinforce that comparison robs us of joy, connection, and confidence. The work isn't to never compare—it's to catch it, question it, and return to ourselves. Summer is not a test of how we look—it's a time to live.