Comparison As The Thief of Joy

Hello Friends,

For the past couple of issues, I’ve encouraged you to acknowledge something valuable in your life. Today, I want you to do the opposite and ask you to stop doing something.Please stop comparing yourself to others! It literally robs you of your joy.

Have you ever met someone who always has a funnier story, a more exciting adventure, or a better idea than yours? Conversing with them can feel infuriating, as it seems they're not truly listening but waiting to outdo you.I propose we have a similar experience going on deep within our own psyche. There's something in us that can't wait to point out to that someone has more than us in some capacity. Whether it's an evolutionary survival mechanism to keep us striving for progress or just good old-fashioned jealousy, it certainly diminishes our contentment in the present.

How do we stop these pointless comparisons? Completely controlling our thoughts may be beyond our grasp as there are deep currents shaping its surface. However, we can practice gratitude. By appreciating what we have, we signal to our ever comparing, status seeking brain that there's abundance all around us. We are doing okay.

I urge you to consider the narrow focus of your comparisons. When a flashy car drives by, it's easy to feel inadequate in comparison. Especially when you drive a 2011 Kia Rio! Yet, would we want the burdens that person driving the car might carry? Or maybe they carry no burdens at all and live a shallow bubblegum life with no introspection or spiritual depth. I wouldn’t want such a life. Broadening our perspective helps us see the folly in making such narrow comparisons with other people. Therefore, I encourage you to compare yourself to only one person: your former self. Reflect on your growth and improvements in the past year, month, week or even day. Have you deepened a relationship, learned a new skill, or improved your health? This a far better comparison to make as you actually have all the data. It’s you you’re comparing yourself with not some random man in traffic or a sports star enjoying their fifteen minutes of fame.

Reflection🤔

Take a moment to objectively look at yourself now. Nobody else. Consider what improvements you’ve made in areas like health, family, community, work, spirituality, finances, and leisure. If you find areas where you haven't progressed, don't be harsh on yourself. Pick one area to look for improvements in. Remember, incremental progress is key. We're looking for those mini improvements that stack up over time.

God Bless 🙏

Mike McCarthy.