I’m tired of hearing people constantly repeat that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Sure, constantly comparing your life to others can be harmful, but pretending comparison has no place at all can lead to ignorance. Comparison, when used with intention, helps us put life into perspective. It reminds us of our blessings and prevents us from moving through life with ungratefulness.
Like anything else, balance is important. Comparison shouldn’t fuel insecurity, distress or overthinking. Instead, it should gently open our eyes to the everyday gifts we often overlook. For example, when I’m back home, I have the privilege of seeing my parents’ faces every day. I get to share meals with them, talk about my thoughts and simply exist alongside the people I love — an experience that is not available to many.
These moments are so common for me that I sometimes forget how blessed I am to speak to my family daily. In places like Palestine, someone’s home, family or sense of safety can be taken away in a split second. That reality breaks my heart, and it reminds me why mindful comparison matters: to appreciate the pleasantries that we are blessed to have.
In addition to this, many college students, including myself, love to complain about school and dread the days when classes require in-person attendance. But in nations such as Afghanistan and Sudan, the access to quality education is limited, a privilege we also overlook. The ability to receive proper education and gain knowledge is something many children across the globe would love to have, and we get to experience an influx of it on a daily basis. We’re surrounded by knowledgeable, professional and experienced professors who can educate us on a wide range of topics based on our interests. Yet, because this access has become so normal to us, it’s easy to forget that what we consider routine is a luxury in many areas. But don’t get me wrong, the act of complaining and dispelling frustration is healthy and necessary to release stress, but this also requires a balance.
But there is also unhealthy comparison, which may lead to an individual attempting to reach a level of perfection that simply is not attainable. You should not compare yourself to others in hopes of reaching success that is attributed to that individual. Everyone’s journey is variable, and it’s crucial to recognize that.
If you work hard and live life with passion, you can attain the level of success that you desire. Especially in this age of social media, the act of comparing yourself to celebrities in terms of appearance, physique and wealth has become commonplace and is a dangerous occurrence. In particular, for younger kids who are on social media platforms, these thoughts may appear in crucial developmental stages, which can severely taint their perceptions of themselves.
Educators, parents, friends and loved ones should make it a priority to help children understand they are loved no matter what happens and that being yourself is the truest form of beauty. Regardless of age, these perceptions can arise at any time, so surround yourself with individuals who appreciate you for being you and learn to love yourself. Loving ourselves is an act we can all do more of.
As life takes its course, there are bound to be obstacles and barriers that may cause constant frustration. But realize the position that you find yourself in is a position that someone may dream of.
The opinions desk can be reached at opinions@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
