We can tell when we are comparing ourselves to another person.  When we hear their story, we’ll either get a sense of judgment – “really, that’s all they did?  I could do it better than that” or a sense of shame and feeling small – “wow! I could never do that.  Look at how wonderful and amazing they seem.  I wonder why I’ve never been able to do something like that?  That could never happen for me.”  Comparing always leads to feeling one up or one down.  It doesn’t lead to a balanced appreciation for or recognition of who we are.  When we compare ourselves to others, we devalue our humanity and uniqueness.  No other person shares our exact set of personality, brain pathways, experiences, or life circumstances.  It is hurtful to ourselves and others to compare ourselves to them.  It takes us out of connection and into separation from others.  It robs us of our power, in this moment, to be creative and move toward what we want.  Today, I will refuse to compare myself to others.  I will notice their positive qualities with love and appreciation.  I will do the same for me.  I will notice the qualities about them, that are challenging for me, with compassion and grace.  I will do the same for me.