I have never compared my life with someone else's, and I do not intend to start. I believe that we all have different paths, purposes, and grace in life. Although societal expectations sometimes push us to compare ourselves with others, I do not believe it is a healthy habit. I think it is high time we stopped saying things like, “Look at your mate; they are doing well, while you are still waiting for a miracle.” Sometimes, even our families make us feel as though we are not trying hard enough simply because someone our age is doing better. What they may not understand is that we are also putting in our best effort; we simply have not achieved our desired results yet. Such comparisons can be painful and discouraging.
I remember that shortly after university, one of my friends secured a well-paying job. When she told me about it, I was genuinely happy for her. I was so excited that someone might have thought I was the one who got the job! After celebrating with her, I said, “God, when will You do mine? You have done hers; please do mine too.” Although those words might have sounded ordinary to someone else, I said them sincerely and with faith in my heart.
Two months later, that same friend recommended me for a job I least expected to get, and I eventually got it. I was incredibly happy and grateful to her. This experience reminded me of the importance of celebrating other people's achievements wholeheartedly. Imagine if I had responded to her good news with sadness, jealousy, or a negative attitude. She might not have felt comfortable recommending me for that opportunity. My genuine happiness for her helped preserve a good relationship between us.
From this experience, I have learned that someone else's success does not mean we have failed. We all have different journeys, and our achievements will not necessarily happen at the same time. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should focus on personal growth, remain hopeful, and continue working towards our goals. We should also learn to celebrate people sincerely because we never know how their success might inspire us or open doors to new opportunities.
Ultimately, we must remember that life is not a competition. We can be happy for others while patiently trusting our own journey. One saying I strongly believe in is this: a blessing for one is a blessing for all. Image from pexels