There's Really No Comparison

"Comparison is the thief of joy." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

I believe that statement.  Whenever you compare two things, one of them will surely suffer.

If you compare what you have in relation to what someone else may have, you may begin to feel as though you don't have "enough" because they have more than you. The nice house, the nice car, the fancy clothes, the cleaning service, vacations, the weekly massage appointments or manicures are all things someone else may be able to do without hesitation but you have to budget and plan for two months to get a manicure wedged in let alone an eyebrow wax or a good haircut at a reputable salon. You may begin to feel slighted by life, by fate, and so begins the unhappiness that results from comparing what you have to what someone else has.

Dying to Wake: Guest Blog by Jessica Hauser, Anchored Strength and Weathered Storms

For today's Mental Health Monday, I am sharing "Dying to Wake," as written by Jessica Hauser who you can find at Anchored Strength and Weathered Storms.  Jessica may have made some choices that you personally disagree with. That being said, her story is very real and intimate, and she has been brave enough to share it with all of us in the hopes that it may help someone else out there struggling in the same ways with thoughts of suicide. If you choose to comment on this post, let your comments be respectful and not judgmental.  We are all human, and there is forgiveness for each of us, and that grace can always start with you.

Here is her story:

The Quilt

This photo is of a rag quilt that I gave to my eldest daughter (Peanut) when she went off to college this Fall.  I did not make this quilt (because I'm not domestically gifted that way).  I took a bucket of material to an older Amish lady named Sarah, and she and her husband made it for us.

Up Close and Personal

It finally happened.  I thought I saw Dale standing in front of me.  It was just a quick second, but it is now burned in my memory forever.

The Wal Mart Lady

"Oh my gosh, it's so cold!" I thought, as I gathered my coat around me, pulled my hat down over my ears to guard them from the wind and sleet, and trudged into Wal Mart for what seemed like the umpteenth time.  I felt the blast of warm air on my face as I pushed through the entrance. I was only there for two things, and I moved quickly through the store. Thank goodness they hadn't turned this one into a Super Wal Mart yet. A quick trip in and out was still possible here.  It was late, and the weather was bad, so there weren't a lot of people clogging the lanes. I paid for my items and made my way to the exit.  Being an older Wal Mart, this store had an entrance area with arcade games and rides for kids, quarter candy machines, newspaper racks and benches.   I noticed there was someone sitting on one of the benches as I came through the first exit door.