comparison.

It’s so easy to compare our lives to others, especially in our technologically advanced internet world we live in. I'm sure you've heard the advice, “Don’t compare your life to other’s highlight reels.” Sound advice, but hard to do.

I’ve struggled with comparison through my grief. It just isn’t fair. It feels like everyone else has what I so long for. A healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a happy family. It seems so easy for everybody else.  But that is just what I see on the outside, at first glance.

I know everyone has their own struggles. I know it isn't easy for everybody else.

The sleep deprived new mom trying to care for her infant and her toddler. That has to be hard. And some women (and men) do it alone too.

Widowers who have lost their life partners too early.

Those battling (some winning and some not) with cancer.

Those that have debilitating diseases that are not curable.

Those that struggle with  the unseen and often hidden disease of mental illness.

So many people struggle. I’m not the only one in this world that is hurting.

The good news is, I’m hopeful.

I have so much to be grateful for.

Instead of comparing my hurt and ache to other’s lives, I look inward to my own life and drop the comparison.  It's hard, but I know it must be done.

Comparison, with only a few letter changes, becomes compassion.

And with compassion, the world is sure to be a better place.