I would like to...

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As would be the case with most of my posts, I would like to rail on the state of things.  However, though I should still try, I don't believe that I could sway anyone with logical or emotional reasoning.  Sometimes, you need something to directly happen to you in order for your perception to change and I think most are at that point.   

However, now that I slightly railed on things, that is not where I am today.  I am very introspective as of late.

In my "Make Me Great Again" journey, I have to admit I am quite content.  There are certainly things I would change about my current state of things, but all-in-all there are those that are worse off, there are those that are in a better place.  Such is life.

There is a quote that is largely attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, "Comparison is the thief of joy".  He probably didn't say it, but it has become my mantra at times.  Regardless of its origin, the premise still rings quite true.  If you spend your entire days worrying about, comparing, and feeling slighted by life, you will never feel content or joy.  

It took me some serious life changes to understand this.  I spent so much time comparing career success, financial success, and all kinds of other metrics.  The whole idea of life as a competition has been forced upon us as the only means of true success, but I don't believe that.  

There is that old saying from the 80s, "he who has the most toys wins".  The counter is, "he who has the most toys still dies".  The fact is, your toys don't make you happy (I know, I have lots of them).  I think about my happiest times and they almost never involve wealth or success.  It is simple fun and loving times with my wife and kids.  Playing sports and games with my friends and family as a child.  Honestly, my most joyful moments cost nothing but my time.

You see all this competition distracts from the true treasure - time.  The most valuable gift you have is to share/give your time to someone else.  This is amazingly hard for an extreme introvert as myself (don't confuse the nervous public talking with me being an extrovert, I think I believe the world will explode if there is silence in a conversation).

Circling back to the comparison thing, I have begun to think that maybe we all see things in our own way.  In my head it is as simple as, do others see blue the way I see blue, or do others feel what I feel when they see a beautiful flower or a baby bunny.  Perception and consciousness is a funny thing.  So, rather than being upset that someone seems happier or more successful (Thank you social media for this), focus on improving the lives of those around you, focus on you, be kind.  

And as hokey as this sounds, take some time to close your eyes and listen to the birds, so soothing.

For now, I'm good (MMGA)

- JJ


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