The Dangers of Comparing

I read a quote this week making a very simple but true statement: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I think majority of us can admit to comparing ourselves to someone else at one time or another, whether this is in our work, family, kung fu etc.  I believe it’s built in our human nature to look and take notice of others around us, observing both the successes and failures.  What we choose to take away from our observations is up to us.

In my own family, one activity that we all share an interest in is running.  Now I am not a natural born runner, every kilometer I travel on these two feet, I have to work extra hard to complete. Being surrounded by three boys who seem to have more of a knack for this whole trail running thing than this short legged tortoise making her way through pudding (yes I need this t-shirt), makes it kind of easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to them. I have caught myself several times feeling frustrated and discouraged with what I see as a lack of progress in myself.  What I have failed to do is to remember why I started running in the first place and what it does for me personally.  I remember very clearly my first runs and how I didn’t even know how to breathe, I felt so tired I started tripping over shadows or that the longest distance I could run was 5km and with every step I was sure I was going to die. Fast forward about 7 years and I find myself still trailing behind my boys, however, with a more positive and cheerful perspective. I have remembered why I do it and where I came from and with that am able to now celebrate my own little successes with the joy and determination to continue to take it to the next level.

I believe that comparing can be dangerous. It is important to remind ourselves that no two people are alike.  Each one of us is built completely different inside and out.  We each have our own limitations, our own life circumstances and experiences along with our own lists of strengths and weaknesses. With all these things considered, our journey and results will differ greatly to the guy sitting next to us. Myself, I am truly inspired by those who things don’t come easy for, the ones that demonstrate the qualities of determination, hard work and commitment with a humble and encouraging approach. When looking at and admiring someone else’s achievements, choose to be happy for, inspired by and driven in a crazy way and rather than comparing ourselves to others find the joy in our own successes.  No matter how small they may seem in someone else’s eyes, they are ours, they are significant and they matter.

Alana Regier

 

Picture of the week, me coming down the dreaded powerline in Grande Cache, doing something that a few years ago I wouldn't of thought I could!

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