I don't need to compare myself....

I have heard this many times in AA. In my early years it was directed at me to not compare my self out .Meaning that I should not think or say things like , I am not as bad a drunk as him. I did not go to jail, I can't be a real alcoholic. I did not live in the streets so maybe I am not a real alcoholic.

I did not do these things much cause I thought for a long time I was an alcoholic and did not feel better or different than every one else. It has helped in my success of sobriety to not compare my self out.

NOw I have also heard and agree that the principles of the AA program apply to all  and in all of my life, not just me and  in the rooms. What I am leading to is how this principle of not comparing yourself has smacked me in the face recently. To keep my serenity and peace I really need to apply it. You see what I have been doing is comparing my wonderful gift of a camera to what others had. I would ask someone.. " What you got there,?. Oh , how many pixels does it have?  Well mine has 18." Then I would gloat to my self that I got it good. And if theirs was better I would be envious. Neither thought is good or pleasant to have.

I need to focus on the joy of the gift all by it self.  Not waste time on what others have. Be in the moment and enjoy. It serves no purpose to compare to others. There will always be some who have more and some who have less. This applies to everything. I just need to focus on what I have to be joyful with and I can be happy most of the time.    

Love you all