our problems aren't always the biggest on the block. that doesn't make them any less worthy simply knowing someone has it harder. comparison doesn't fuel connection – it freezes it. no two people treat a single problem the same, for some will fix where others flee. it doesn't matter in the end what someone else would do, only what we will. and no one's grading our performance when we’re in the midst of pain, daring to love ourselves enough to find solace for our suffering. so whether our problems feel big or small, tragic or trivial, may we give ourselves the green light to admit, “this is hard, i'm struggling.” that doesn't make us less grateful for the good in our life, only honest as to what's hurting and why. there’s a difference between complaining and compassion - how often we condemn ourselves for the former instead of comforting ourselves with the latter. 📸: sarah kilian