If You Must Draw Comparisons

Of all the great human virtues, gratitude serves us the most. However, for far too many, gratitude is not regularly practiced, but sporadically triggered by experiences, images, or stories that bring to light how fortunate we are in comparison to others.

You often find these instances of grateful enlightenment had by travelers to third world countries, where fresh water is barely accessible, food is scarce and human safety pales in comparison to more developed, economically sound countries.

While it is wonderful that people are able to have these experiences, it should not take seeing people who are less fortunate than you for you to realize and appreciate how fortunate you really are. With the advancement of media technology and social networking, the excuse of not knowing what lies beyond your comfort zones or your boundaries becomes weaker and weaker.

The world is all but exposed across both hemispheres and from pole to pole. We have the ability to know with the click of a mouse how the majority of human beings are fairing across the globe. So, if you must draw comparisons to someone else to be reminded of how grateful you should be, take a moment to assess your awareness for who you are, what you have and your place in this world. You may find reasons to be grateful that do not require drawing comparisons at all.