March 21

”One of the marks of excellent people is that they never compare themselves with others. They only compare themselves with themselves and with their past accomplishments and future potential.” Brian Tracy

Comparing myself to others was a tool used by my addict. It was the self-measuring stick that showed my deficiencies, how I was never as smart, good-looking, athletic, etc. as someone or everyone else. It has never served any good purpose in my life in helping me strive to be better, to perform better, or to work harder. Comparison is also a defect in my recovery. When I listen to others share their experience, their accomplishments, if I feel a tang of jealousy for in hearing their story, then this is a warning sign. The jealousy comes, not because I think I deserve to reach the same goal of sobriety or whatever the situation entails, but because it’s easier to blame someone else than admit that maybe I am not working hard enough for my own recovery. My recovery process is my own, because my trail of addiction is also my own. It’s not the same as anyone else’s, so trying to compare is a waste of time. Comparing to my own story, however, is a good guide in seeing how well I am doing against my past behaviours, to see how much or little things are really changing. The best guide to see is looking at how much better I am surrendering to my Higher Power’s will, as opposed to still following my own.

Affirmation When I compare myself to someone else, it is a reflection of where I have a shortcoming. I will be aware and turn this thought inwards to drive change rather than envy.