It’s really tough to see others excel in an area that you’ve been doggedly trying to get ahead in. Trying, but not succeeding.
In one of my groups, one lady has lost nearly 200 pounds. Another lady in the group has been trying to lose weight, but has suffered many setbacks. She felt very discouraged tonight after working out with her friend – happy for her friend, but down about her own lack of progress.
I can understand. I’ve only been allowed to do light exercise and have felt very frustrated that I cannot run. I had originally planned on doing a marathon this fall. A friend from work has been in training and recently completed two triathlons. I am so proud of her and I am amazed at her journey. Though I rejoice with her, on the inside I feel discouraged about my own lack of progress.
When we see others doing better than we are, it’s easy to start comparing – and getting down on ourselves and feeling like a failure.
What we have to remember is that everyone has their own journey to walk. When someone else is on the mountain, we may be in the valley. When that person is in the valley, we may be on the mountain.
Life is filled with ups and downs, and struggles and difficulties. There’s always someone who appears to be doing better. There’s always someone we can look at and think, “Why can’t I be like her?” But this kind of comparison will always bring us down.
We can’t allow feelings of dissatisfaction, failure, and discouragement to get to us. We have to shake them off like an old coat.
We will walk our journey the best we can – and we’ll keep walking until we reach a successful end.
