Wednesday Wisdom: Comparisons

Wednesday Wisdom, Hump Day, Inspiration, Alopecia, Beauty

The smell of wet grass, fallen leaves, mud, and lake water infiltrated my nostrils. Although not the smell most people would want as a fragrant candle, its odor lifted my spirits. Gone was the sterile winter white covering nature’s scents and making my lungs clench from the below-freezing temperature. I felt alive and energized because nature wasn’t buried.

Three days prior I hit the familiar trail, where everyone runs in the winter, since the roadways and pathways are plowed. In 29-degree weather, two men ran waving at me and each other as if to say, “You are a tough soul, keep going!” Training for a marathon makes people do things they normally wouldn’t do, including putting in miles in inclement conditions.

But yesterday, when I ran, it was a balmy 44 degrees, and the once vacant paths were littered with people, running, walking, and giving their dogs some exercise, as if it was summertime compared to Sunday. I know if it had been 65 degrees on Sunday, there would have been fewer people out because today would have felt colder, not warmer.

It amazes me that people can’t seem to judge each day as a stand-alone day and decide if they are up for the challenge instead of comparing it to the previous day or the day to come. Sure, it is nicer to be outside in warmer, sunnier atmospheres, but when you live in Central New York, you honestly need to take each day by itself, leaving comparisons behind.

Judging running weather is no different than women judging their weight, looks, or hair compared to the day before. Being up two pounds, having dark circles under one’s eyes from lack of sleep, or not being able to calm bedhead, makes women feel crappy because they are comparing themselves to what they were the day before or to commercial beauty standards.

Becoming bald has taught me one thing its looks don’t really matter when you get down to the “bare” bones. It’s how you feel, your attitude toward life, your gratefulness for not having a serious health issue, and deciding you can’t and won’t judge yourself if it makes you feel bad. There are more important things to worry about besides the weather, temperature, and superficial beauty.

Today’s Wednesday Wisdom should inspire you to write down five things you love about yourself if you weren’t comparing yourself to others or today’s standards. It hopefully inspires you to not care about the weather as much as you do and get outside for your health. If you can’t buy as many Christmas gifts this year for some reason, don’t be sad, give something from the heart that means as much as presents. Bottom line live and judge for today.

The point is you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone. Be gentle on yourself this time of year and do your best – which is all we get every day no matter the weather. Cheer up. Be happy. You are you!

P.S. I can find you an earthy-smelling candle if you want one for the holidays.