"Don't compare with others."
We have probably heard that phrase before at least once in our life. And it is usually used when we compare our lives with others that seem to have a better life than us, and someone will just quote that phrase, because comparing with others is a bad thing.
But that isn't the case for me, and I realized that I've been comparing with others quite a lot since I was young, but in a different manner. I usually compare to those that are having a worse time than me or someone who is going through a similar situation and I'll remind myself, "if that person can do it, so can I."
That is when comparison becomes a good thing instead of a bad thing.
I haven't given much thought about this whole thing until the past 2 days. For yesterday, it was my first time doing the closing shift at Starbucks and I didn't know it would take so long, until ard 1am. My colleagues told me they ever worked till 3 am before, cause there are a lot of mopping, cleaning, washing, sweeping, stock take, etc. to do. Today I worked until 12.30am which was better compared to yesterday.
But today was slightly different.
As we were about to finish closing the shop, I began chatting with one of my colleague that I seldom work together with and found out he stays at Malaysia. He has to travel to and fro every single day and he has been doing it for 1 year and 5 months! I asked him how long it takes to travel from the shop to his house and he said 3-4 hours, which means a total of 6-8 hours to and fro. We started and ended work at the same time and to think I'm complaining in my heart how tired my feet and eyes are...
And I started to compare with him, "if he can do this for 1 year and 5 months, why should I even be complaining?"
Which led me to think further; most of us really take the things we have around us for granted. Especially during the haze period in Singapore, all the true colors of Singaporeans have emerged. I admit I'm guilty of being part of it as well, as I 'fled' to Japan to escape the haze after complaining how bad it was. Sometimes we got to think of all the people who are helpless and having a much tougher life than us, especially in Bei Jing where the people are living in perpetual haze. We really need to learn how to appreciate life and things around us even more.
To my future self:
If you're going through the darkest period in your life and you're reading this, please remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. There are people who are having a much more difficult situation than you and they are still clinging on to their life and hope. Don't give up, just keep pressing on.
