~Wendell Phillips

Joshua Becker writes an awesome piece on how to stop comparing ourselves to others: 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” —Theodore Roosevelt

I’ve struggled with it most of my life. Typically, I blame it on having a twin brother who is five inches taller with much broader shoulders. But if I was being truly honest, more likely, it is simply a character flaw hidden somewhere deep in my heart.

I’ve lived most of my life comparing myself to others. At first, it was school and sports. But as I got older, I began comparing other metrics: job title, income level, house size, and worldly successes.

I have discovered there is an infinite number of categories upon which we can compare ourselves and an almost infinite number of people to compare ourselves to. Once we begin down that road, we never find an end.

The tendency to compare ourselves to others is as human as any other emotion. Certainly I’m not alone in my experience. But it is a decision that only steals joy from our lives. And it is a habit with numerous shortcomings:

1. Comparisons are always unfair. We typically compare the worst we know of ourselves to the best we presume about others.
2. Comparisons, by definition, require metrics. But only a fool belives every good thing can be counted (or measured).
3. Comparisons rob us of precious time. We each get 86,400 seconds each day. And using even one to compare yourself or your accomplishments to another is one second too many.
4. You are too unique to compare fairly. Your gifts and talents and successes and contributions and value are entirely unique to you and your purpose in this world. They can never be properly compared to anyone else.
5. You have nothing to gain, but much to lose. For example: your pride, your dignity, your drive, and your passion.
6. There is no end to the possible number of comparisons. The habit can never be overcome by attaining success. There will also be something—or someone—else to focus on.
7. Comparison puts focus on the wrong person. You can control one life—yours. But when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we waste precious energy focusing on other peoples’ lives rather than our own.
8. Comparisons often result in resentment. Resentment towards others and towards ourselves.
9. Comparisons deprive us of joy. They add no value, meaning, or fulfillment to our lives. They only distract from it.

Click to read the entire guide on Joshua’s blog: Becoming Minimalist.

Image via Joshua Becker/Becoming Minimalist

“The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles” said William Penn, Quaker founder of the Pennsylvania colony. He founded his colony on religious toleration and by doing so, he created America’s first great melting pot. English, Irish, Germans, Catholics, Jews, and an assortment of Protestant sects were drawn to a new life in Pennsylvania. By the time of the American Revolution, this colony had become one of the largest, with over 300,000 people. Surrounded by bounty and promise, this country has always been a beacon for those who seek refuge from tyranny and poverty in a better life. That we are here and able to celebrate freely and worship without fear is a blessing that is sometimes taken for granted.

Thanksgiving is a special day we set aside to take inventory of our blessings. We gather around a table with people we love and cherish to break bread. We inventory our losses as well. Maybe we cannot spend the holiday with someone who lives afar or perhaps someone special has departed. But on Thanksgiving Day, unlike many other days, we tend to count our blessings more than we add up our troubles.

Thank you for following and checking out our site. We are so thankful for all the support we have had over the past 8 months. We are thankful for being thankful 🙂

Life continues to be a practice and we hope that you have seen at least one positive message from the content shared on LP. 

Wishing you a great day.

Brian and Paz