Comparisons

There are always people in better circumstances than us and there are always people in worse circumstances than us. Some subconscious comparison mechanism provokes us to compare ourselves with one of these groups of people. At times I compare myself with the better lot and become encouraged, or discouraged depending on my frame of mind, while other times I compare myself with people who are not doing as good as I am.

Both types of comparison have their proponents with their set of arguments. However, I believe it is not the comparison that matters but the frame of mind. One gets encouragement if one has an optimistic outlook already. This comparison does nothing but magnify your current attitude. So be optimistic.