Better Than Me

Why is someone always better than me? I have heard that question again and again over the years. I suspect I have asked it myself from time to time. Why does so and so make more money than I do, live in a bigger house, have a better job, look younger (and thinner) and on and on.

No question pulls down a person’s spirit more than that one. The constant comparing, the ensuing competing, and the resulting jealousy.

Far better, I believe, is to compare you to yourself, to come out from behind yourself and take a good look, accept what you see and be pleased.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to improve, try to better ourselves, set goals and have hopes. But the competition and comparison is with us, not with others.

My dad said it best: Do the best you can with what you have got. He kept saying that well into his 90s, when his capacities for doing were considerably diminished. But he kept doing, and he had long before quit comparing himself with his peers.

THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Who you are is more important than what you have accomplished.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 17, Watertown Public Library. 6:30 P.M. Lighter Side of Country Living.

March 19, Fond du Lac Public Library. 6:00 P.M. Chili supper. UW-FDL Commons and Prairie Theater. Featuring Living a County Year.