Ahh...the comparison trap...we are always reminded not to fall into it. Typically, this is a good idea. There is no point in trying to be the prettiest, skinniest,smartest.most organized, most accomplished person in the world...there will always be someone with more. It can lead us up and endless trail. We think we see the ridge at the top, but it is just a hill ...the peak remains distant and unachievable. It never ends...and it is exhausting...
I was thinking about this the other day when I was in a kind of “down” mood. I had had a particularly rough week. I was focused inward when, in fact, what I needed to do was focus on others. I started to think about the people in my life...not a distant “friend of a friend” but actual family members and friends who have struggled this year. What I found was this: there is a beauty in comparison. When I put my life up against any of their situations, I would chose my own. The qualities that exalt the mind or spirit...that is beauty. Each of these people are beautiful, and that is exactly what I need to achieve in my trials...
2020...what can we say? If my biggest issue is having to stay home (brutal for a social person), I try to remember that a young boy took his life last week in Boulder, a friend needs a liver transplant to live, a sister adopted her niece after her sister was killed by domestic violence, a friend lost both parents in 2020, another with stage 4 cancer and more chemo on the horizon. I strongly believe in perspective. Take time today to put your week into perspective. Reach out to a friend, bring a treat to someone hurting, pray for healing every morning ... What do others see when they look at you. Is their mind “exalted”by your attitude? Find beauty in the comparison and live today to the fullest!
THANKFUL for each of you!
CoffeeTalkMom
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