Lent season is upon us. Personally, I had never participated in lent before, but this year I decided that it would be a good time for me to give up something that was holding me back from my relationship with God. I thought for a couple of days about what I wanted to give up, and I realized that one of the biggest things I have struggled with since being in college is comparison.

I have been a perfectionist since the day I started school. I was the second grader who cried over a 95 on spelling tests, the fifth grader who had to have the most accelerated-reading points, and I literally retook my ACT eight times trying to reach the score I wanted.

Coming to college, I knew I was going to be a tiny fish in a big pond; I had mentally prepared myself for that. I anticipated that school would be tougher and that other people would be more intelligent, more involved, and more popular than me.

I thought I would be able to brush it to the side, but just because you anticipate the thunderstorm doesn't mean you'll avoid the rain.

In our generation, comparisons are made so easy due to our access to instant technology. I found that I was constantly scrolling through Instagram and comparing myself to my friends. I was envious of how they looked in what they were wearing and I found that I was spending way too much time on my phone because of it.

When I would make a post, I found myself going back to look at it several times to see who had liked it or commented. Honestly, it is sickening that so many of us - myself included - find comfort in a double tap on a screen. When I was studying, I would look on Snapchat and see stories of my friends going out or hanging together and I would be sad that I was staying in.

When my girlfriends were at a fraternity function, I found myself thinking "Why didn't I get invited?" Sometimes I would check to see if certain people were looking at my snap stories. I realized how exhausted these social media accounts were making me. They were giving no value to my relationship with God, and so I decided that Instagram and Snapchat needed to go for Lent.

At home, I gave my scale to my roommate to keep safe until April. I am a firm believer in holding yourself accountable and taking care of yourself, but for the next 40 days, I can do without feeling like I need to weigh every day.

I put up sticky notes on my mirror with positive quotes to help me focus on what is beneath my skin. It is the little things like this that have made my head clearer over the past week.

I have decided not to participate in the "what did you make on your test?" conversations as they cause me to be prideful or feel like I am not good enough, depending on the test results. I am trying to quit comparing my goals to those of others in both academics and extracurriculars. By no means is it easy to break an old habit, but I am giving it a shot.

In Matthew 11:28-30, the Bible says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This is exactly what I needed to be reminded of this lent season. The constant comparisons served only as a burden to me.

I was exhausted from trying to fit in with everyone else. We aren't called to be like everyone else. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. We come in all shapes and sizes, of all different races and nationalities. We were created to be unique, and my hope is that I can use this time leading up to Easter to really believe this for myself.

I want to quit comparing myself to those around me, but rather love them for what they have to offer. I am excited to see the mental relief and the clarity that this season brings me.

Whatever you gave up for Lent, if you decided to participate this year, I wish you the very best. I hope this time strengthens your relationship with the Lord, and that you are a better version of yourself come Easter. If you are like me and struggle with comparisons, I hope you know that you are always enough in the eyes of Christ.

Happy Lent season friends!