You have probably heard the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy” by Theodore Roosevelt.
I think we can all say we have compared ourselves, our situation, our life, etc. to something or someone else, right?
Sunset Story
A few weeks ago, while watching the news, I am hearing how Covid-19 is still rearing its ugly head and the riots and protest here in the United States are still active. ….and then there is all the political talk on the news. It had me thinking and wondering what in the world is going on? What a time of uncertainty. What a time to let doubt and fear creep in.
But at that moment, I happened to look out of my window and saw a masterpiece of a sunset that had been painted right out in front of me. And I was reminded that God is STILL in control. While the world, it seems, has totally gone off the deep end, I can be confident of that fact! A great reminder, right?
(The picture didn't do it justice)
The next morning while scrolling through Facebook I see a picture that my neighbor had shared of the same sunset. While it was the exact same sunset, his was even more beautiful than mine! See, from his house he can see the actual sun setting. He sees it setting straight in front of him. I see the aftereffects of the sunset from my house.
(Courtesy of Jeff McEnteer)
This Got Me Thinking About Comparison
My first thought was, oh wow! His sunset is WAY better than mine. I started comparing…. I know, this may sound silly… but bear with me. For a brief second, that comparison stole the joy from my experience the night before when I saw MY sunset. And while it was only for a moment, I did compare. While my sunset reminded me of something wonderful, I was sitting there in comparison mode. His picture didn’t make mine less beautiful. I mean, after all, I was in awe when I saw my sunset view. But if I can compare a sunset, what else will I compare?
What do YOU compare?
We Tend to Compare
Fitness progress
Finances
Personal lives
Business success
I’m sure you can insert something here…
It’s All About the View
From what angle are you viewing. What are you comparing? What are you using to measure your life, your successes, etc. to that of others?
Like the sunset…. My view was beautiful. All by itself. I was satisfied when I saw it. It was just from a different angle. Like I said, it made me think of God who is in control during this uncertain time in the world. And while my view of the SAME sunset wasn’t the same as my neighbors, it was still just as beautiful. And so is YOUR life! It’s just as beautiful!
We have often heard the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Well perhaps the other side of the fence is full of… ………poo. It may not be exactly what it seems.
Don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 30. We are all on a different journey. We are all in different stages of progress. Always look at how far you have come.
The only comparison that is good is the comparison we make with our own progress.
“Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today.” - Jordan B. Peterson
The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself.
When you are tempted to compare yourself to others, stop and look at everything you have to be grateful for. When you do, you will realize you have so much! Don’t waste time in comparison mode but rather consider your OWN progress. Be happy with yourself and find satisfaction in all that you have and where YOU are. Because your life is not less important because you are at a different stage in your life, your business, etc. than someone else. Enjoy your own life and your own “sunsets”. And don’t let comparison rob you of joy!
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