It's easy to look at someone else's success and compare yourself to them. As long as it's a motivating factor though, coming from inspiration, then comparison can be a useful tool.
I get such joy from seeing people live in their full potential. Don't you find it so inspiring? I was watching an artist paint the other day, which I do frequently, and this time felt different. She was painting in a way that felt authentic to her soul. And if I'm honest, I don't see it often. I was mesmerized watching her work & hearing her talk through each aspect of her painting.
I wasn't envious of her in any way, just happy for her & enjoyed her painting and her process. Yet it sparked thoughts about how I can show up more authentically as well. In this way, I wasn't critical about myself- just open to the idea about being willing to share more of myself & my heart without as much guarding.
There's also the opposite kind of comparison trap where you see what someone else is doing and it causes you to stall. This kind of comparison truly is the thief of joy. You're letting what someone else is doing dictate your worth, validation, or purpose.
“After so many years struggling to keep up with you, I finally realized we’re not even running the same race.” -Scott Stabile
Jon Accuf wisely counsels, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Isn't that usually what happens though? You are way harder on yourself than anyone else ever will be.
We frequently only get brief insights about people that come across our paths, and those interactions don't give us the whole story. You don't know what they've gone through to get where they are or how long it took them to get there.
I was frequently struck with comparison envy when I was younger. Yes, that's hard to admit, not because I don't think it happens to everyone else, but because I'm sad for my younger self that didn't have the confidence yet to know just how amazing I am and that I would be able to forge my own even better path. Thankfully, age has a way of helping you let go of things like that.
These days I try to use comparison sparingly. I know where I'm headed so it's easier not to get distracted by other people. But when I come across someone doing something special, I now try to dissect what it is that has me awestruck and use it as inspiration. I also thank them for the lovely gift they've given me; I am delighted to find wonder & joy in what someone else is doing.
You are exactly where you're supposed to be.
Warmest Regards,
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