When Comparison Becomes A Thief: Finding Your Voice In

When Doubt Whispers
I can still see her face the night she told me she was done. The circles she once joined with excitement now stirred only quiet doubt. That day felt like a failure, yet in truth, it was a mirror—a reflection of something far deeper than any single student’s journey.

She was giving clear, meaningful evidence in my circle. She could bring through the scent of a grandmother’s lavender or the specific weight of a father’s watch—details that left no question about the love and presence behind them. Even online, alongside some of the most experienced mediums, her work carried integrity and insight. And yet, she could not see her own gifts. She compared herself to people with decades of experience, measuring her early steps against heights she had not yet reached. Comparison is persistent—a quiet visitor stealing the view before we notice.

Wrestling with the Quiet Thief
I know that thief well. I have wrestled with it myself, particularly when I think of mediums like Lisa Williams. Early on, I often questioned whether my work was enough, whether my gifts resonated, whether I could ever hold my own in the presence of brilliance. Sometimes that doubt stopped me cold, halting my faith mid-step. Fear whispered louder than faith, and I forgot that comparison speaks only in echoes—not truth.

It was in one of Lisa’s classes that she helped me see the truth: Spirit is not a contest. She reminded us that our gifts are unique, that comparison steals more than it reveals. That insight shifted something in me—I began to notice the thief, name it, and step back from its pull.

Even now, after years of teaching, its weight still presses in. But I have discovered a rhythm—pause, breathe, redirect. Talent is not a scarce resource. It multiplies when shared. 

My path is my own, shaped by the gifts the Divine has entrusted to me, not by anyone else’s achievements.

Guiding Others Through the Shadows
As teachers and facilitators, we have a responsibility to notice this in our students. We must watch for the quiet way doubt creeps in, redirect it gently, and name the evidence already present. One simple way to do this is through short, one-on-one check-ins—asking each student to share something they witnessed or gave successfully in the circle, without comparing it to anyone else’s work. Growth can’t be measured by another’s timeline. It unfolds uniquely, like a melody finding its harmony. Sometimes the most important lesson we offer is not technique or proof, but trust. Trust in the Divine. Trust in their own journey. Trust that their gifts are already making a difference.

For students, the message is simple but profound: stop comparing yourself. Focus on your development, your connection, your willingness to grow. Spirit calls to those who are willing, steady, and open. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. And though it can feel daunting to measure yourself against extraordinary people, your gifts are exactly what the world needs.

Finding Stillness and Harmony
Looking back on this student, I feel both sadness and gratitude. Sadness that they could not see their own abilities, but gratitude for the reminder: comparison is a thief, but awareness is a key. When we notice it, reflect on it, and move forward despite it, we model the courage we hope to cultivate in others. Humility, honesty, and perseverance are themselves a form of mastery.

In the stillness that follows awareness, comparison loses its grip. What remains is freedom—the quiet, steady knowing that the Divine sees us whole. I’ve learned to listen for where Spirit places my note in the greater harmony—my own growth echoing that truth.

I still think of that student often, their journey echoing as a gentle reminder. I wish I could tell them what I’ve learned since: the Divine was never measuring them, only inviting them. Comparison may visit, but it does not define you. The choice to continue, to trust, and to grow—that is where the true work begins.

Spirit does not call the perfect.
It calls the willing.

And when we answer that call, we find our note in the greater harmony of Spirit.

About Rev. Colleen Irwin: Rev. Colleen Irwin is a powerhouse of intuition, insight, and inspiration. A natural Medium, she turns whispers from Spirit into wisdom that empowers others.  She is the author of Discovering Your Stream and the upcoming Guided by Spirit, a must-read for those developing their spiritual gifts.
 

As a business consultant, Colleen blends intuition with strategy to help others succeed. She also teaches, writes, and leads development circles. In addition, she volunteers at the Susan B. Anthony Museum, sharing stories of resilience.  A Previvor since 2019, Colleen knows the power of healing and transformation. She inspires others to trust their gifts, embrace their path, and live their truth.
 

Colleen's Media Links:

Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/talkwithcolleen.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revcolleenirwin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkwithcolleen/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-i-a563251b0/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/talkwithcolleen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkwithcolleen

Website:  http://talkwithcolleen.com/