I used to compare myself to others frequently. In retrospect, it was a losing proposition.

It especially hurts a lot when seeing only the surface of others happy, shiny lives, imaging how fabulous things seem to be for them.

What is going on behind the scenes, though, is carefully hidden, so what we are seeing and coveting or pining for does not represent the entire picture. And many times, it is not pretty. And it certainly isnt all that wonderful.

I appreciate that celebs, working actors, artists and sports figures and some people irl are actually blessed with a gift of making their living (hopefully) doing what they love. Not a lot of people can say that.

But the reality is that they struggle and suffer with many of the same things every human does. They are not exempt from life's disappointments, illnesses, hurt and pain. Yes, perhaps they have the "resources" available to publicly "manage" these things....in fact, many have an entire entourage of people following them around to help, do damage control, paint a pretty picture to the public, but it is a grand illusion.

It is so liberating when I stopped looking at others and their lives and started focusing on mine...working on my good health and focusing on what I do have. Yes, it stilll hurts a lot sometimes (my family is a perfect example)

But by not focusing or thinking about them, I have been set free from the bonds of thinking what i dont have and should have to seeing life in a different way: putting that energy into myself and appreciating what I do have.