We are meant to be different. We are one of a kind, inimitable and irreplaceable. God created us that way. However, sometimes we struggle to accept the reality that we are different from other people.  It is in accepting who we are, our uniqueness, that we can develop our destiny and enjoy life.

If we keep on comparing ourselves with other people, we will only get what we expect to find. If we think others are lucky, we think we are unlucky. If we think we are weak, everyone else will seem stronger. If we think, we are strong, everyone else will seem weaker. We may become vain and bitter, because there will always be greater and lesser persons than ourselves.

Early in life, it was difficult for me to understand why others were better and luckier than we were. I resented to be poor and I blamed God.

But I had some big dreams and never stopped wondering what future was in store for me. I decided to change course. I resolved and refused to conform to society's shackles and chains and started to listen to my eternal heart, my eternal instincts. It is never too late to shine; never.

I learned to stop competing with no one and decided to run my own race. I refused to play the game of being better than anyone in any way, shape, or form and aimed to improve, to be better than I was before whatever I could. I created my own path and left a trail. I am glad I did and I am grateful.

We are all different yet we have a tendency to compare ourselves to others. It's human nature, and while learning from others is an important part of critical decision making, if we use it to reinforce an unrealistic or negative self-image, it can be an unhealthy habit to get into. It could open the door to more resentments and frustrations. We are inviting envy into our consciousness; it can be a dangerous and destructive guest.

But if we try to be happy where we are and focus all our efforts to our dream, we will get to where we want to be in due time. If we refuse self-pity and refuse to complain, then we are sowing good seeds for God to take us where we want to be in our future.

The Zen monk (one who teaches Zen Buddhism) in the following narrative has something to advise regarding comparing ourselves to others.

A samurai, who was known for his nobility and honesty, went to visit a Zen monk to ask him for his advice.

When the monk had finished his prayers, the Samurai asked, “Why do I feel so inferior? I have faced death many times; have defended those who are weak.  Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating, I felt that my life had absolutely no importance whatsoever.”

“Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you,” replied the monk.

The samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple garden, watching the people go in and out in search of advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on his face.

At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he demanded: “Now, can you teach me?”

The master invited him in and led him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.

“Do you see the moon, how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire firmament, and tomorrow the sun will shine once again.”

“But sunlight is much brighter, and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds.”

“I have contemplated the two for years, and have never heard the moon say: why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?”

“Of course not,” answered the samurai. “ The moon and the sun are different things, each has its own beauty. You cannot compare the two.”

“So you know the answer. We are two different people, each fighting in his own way for what he believes, and making it possible to make the world a better place; the rest are mere appearances.”

Within us there is a spirit able to reach the stars. Within us is the ability to achieve our goals and realize our dreams. Learn from others but not in competition issues and do not worry if you mess up. In each experience, wisdom is gained. Have faith in yourself and move forward with confidence, fully believing your ability as the special person that has been designed to be.

By Tim Pedrosa