Dare To (Not) Compare

I was talking with a friend today. We were having thisThe need to compare is born from a place of lack and
nice, empowering conversation, sharing ideas - andreeks of insecurity. It assumes the position that one
then we started analyzing another mutualthing is better than another, and that our take on the
acquaintance (already sound familiar?). Nothing terrible,world is 'correct' (remember a few newsletters back...
but my friend astutely pointed out when our focusthere's no correct anything, just different ways of
started slipping more toward the other person'sseeing the universe). And while invoking comparison
shortcomings, and suggested we shift the discussionmay give us the facade of feeling better about
back to our own affairs. I, of course, being aourselves - of feeling worthy - when you slice to the
(sometimes defensive!) Law of Attraction coach triedcore, it accomplishes exactly the opposite.
to validate the merits of our digression, saying thereSo the next time you feel drawn to comparison, step
was no malice in our words - that we were just usingback and consider where it's coming from. Instead of
the other person's behavior as a vehicle for learning.using others to leap-frog your status in life, take a
Thankfully, my friend wasn't completely buying in.stance for acceptance and understanding, recognizing
Talking about others is not the issue here by itself.that any perceived differences you have with another
People naturally come up in our thoughts andis merely their unique version of the world. Jockeying
conversations, and it's entirely normal to reflect onfor position is a formula for dissatisfaction and
them. The distinction arises in our tone of observation,emptiness. It's where the term 'rat-race' originates. You
in the way we feel. When we view others in kind,can leave all that behind for the more fulfilling world of
accepting, and complimentary light, good feelings arecompassion and co-creation. When you drop the need
prevalent, and our vibrations are high. It's when weto compare, an entirely new path unfolds before your
plunge into negativity and nit-picking that our vibrationaleyes. People begin to show up for you in ways you
levels take a turn south.never thought possible. Your life flows more smoothly
Unfortunately, killing off good feelings and highthan ever before. This is what happens when you align
vibrations isn't difficult. It could start with something aswith your highest potential. And this is what humanity
'harmless' as "Can you believe what that person iswas always meant to be. It's in your hands. You have
wearing?" And with that seemingly small judgment, thethe power to change the world.
snowball is off and rolling. Law of Attraction plainlyUntil next time...
states 'Like attracts like.' So where there's oneWith love,
comment, there's usually one more, then another.-Jeff
Before you know it, that particular conversation - andAsk Coach Jeff...
likely many of your subsequent interactions - take onQuestion: A romantic relationship I was in recently
the low-vibrational tone of proving what's wrong withended, and I can't get the person out of my head. I
everyone else.have limited our contact somewhat, but often find
The need to compare is the real villain here. When youmyself reminiscing, having feelings of jealousy, etc.
think or say something derogatory about anotherWhen all's said and done, I'm left with being upset. How
person, you're basically comparing yourself to them.can I feel better about this?
What you're really saying is, "At least I'm not as bad asW.M., -New Jersey
they are!" And in that moment, you create separation,The Law of Attraction states simply 'What you give
vainly attempting to elevate yourself by diminishingyour attention to, you get more of.' When you
another. You rise to the top by default, so to speak.reminisce with 'feelings of jealousy,' you come from a
In reality though, up is not where you're heading. In fact,place of lack (i.e. I don't have that person in my life
you're not moving anywhere at all. Comparinganymore), and it makes sense you would feel upset
ourselves to others gives us a built-in excuse to standabout it. So if you continue having those types of
still. By making ourselves appear better, we becomethoughts, guess what you're attracting into your life?
convinced that we don't have to forward our ownMore lack, and more upset feelings! I understand how
agendas (since we're already 'not as bad' as thosedifficult it can be to put someone out of your mind
people). It's a ticket to stagnation. Rather than focus oncompletely, but if you can do that, great (reducing
how WE could be growing, we shine a spotlight on'limited' contact to NO contact may help here). This
exploited voids in another's life. Then, of course, wegives you no other choice than to think about
don't have to look to the one place which reallysomething else - and if you make these new thoughts
matters - ourselves.POSITIVE, you will attract positive events into your life.
The good news is, like anything else, the lights can flipIf you can't get the person completely out of mind (and
on at any moment. And just as my friend and I shiftedno one would expect you to - random thoughts can
our own thoughts and words to higher ground, so canand will pop into your head, especially if the relationship
you. In those moments when you find yourselfwas important), just don't dwell on them. Deliberately
magnetically diverting to finding fault and flaw withfocus on more high-vibration thoughts (such as wishing
others, ask yourself this empowering question: "Whatthe person well, success/happiness/etc. With that small
does this say about ME?" Because if we're beingshift, you start to turn the tides in your favor. You begin
completely honest, that's often the one place we don'tto vibrate feelings of peace, gratitude, and genuine
dare look. What we find might not be the rosy picturecompassion for others. And when that happens, guess
we're venturing to paint. When we hold up thewhat you attract into your life - abundance! Try it and
proverbial mirror, we are likely to discover we're nosee what shows up for you.
different from what we criticize in another.