Welcome to the Blog Hop Comparison: Thief of Joy? where bloggers from all over the world are invited to share their ideas about Theodore Roosvelt’s quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Do you agree of disagree with Teddy’s POV? Please share your unique perspective.
There are 3 easy steps to join the Blog Hop:
1. Follow the instructions for submitting your entry using the Linky provided below – remember to copy and paste the link to your specific ‘comparison’ post, not just your blog, into the Linky.
2. Copy and paste the following announcement (with links) into the intro to your blog post:
Linking in to the Comparison Blog Hop on Dangerous Linda and Everyday Gyaan
3. Be sure to read and comment on other bloggers’ posts in the hop. It’s a great way to get to know each other and expand our cyber-community of awesome writers and thinkers.
A BRIEF STORY:
She was a small town girl. Never been to a big city. She gets married to a big city boy. She is dazzled by the city life. It has a lot to offer and she sure is a fast learner.
Her neighbours seem to have it all, or so she thinks. Not the one to be left behind, she wants it all too.
First, the drapes, then the furniture and upholstery. The ladies praise her taste....she is happy.
He works for a private company. His salary barely enough for two. He loves her a lot. So, he takes up another part-time job to fulfil her wishes.
She is busy with the kids to mark his absence. As parents they want to give their best to their kids. They enrol them in a private ‘International’ School. The kids want to be like their peers. Getting dropped to school by chauffer driven cars, possessing latest gadgets and gizmos to play with.
He has taken up a new job, climbing the corporate ladder quickly, tastes power and is addicted to it. He goes jet setting around the globe...home is where work is. He is got into the rat race of making money and has lost on life.
She is busy socializing...shopping with friends, attending kitty parties, getting a membership to a prestigious ladies club and occasional holiday abroad.
Life could not be better. They are leading life...two separate lives. They have everything material that is immaterial to their happiness.
She is made the President of the ladies club. She is envied by others. For a small town girl she has come a long way. She is proud of herself. She wants to share this news with her family.
She comes home.....to an empty nest!
Comparison... can create experiences that sometime do not end well
ReplyDeleteYes...I know people like these.
DeleteThis could sadly be the true story of many women I know, Janaki. Constantly comparing with their 'neighbors', trying hard to keep up and in the process losing what's most important to them!
ReplyDeleteYes...true.
ReplyDeleteAs we say here in the states "keeping up with the Jones's". It will eat you up. And are you truly happy? Are you actually living as you want to live? Are you who you really want to be? Probably not. Always worried that someone will outdo you? What happens to your originality when you are constantly doing what your neighbors are doing just to stay in the same circle. I wouldn't want that kind of life. As much material objects you may have, it sound awfully lonely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and sharing your views Mary.
DeleteOh Janaki, I know people who live that kind of lifestyle. Some of them would even resort to gambling, in the hopes of winning the jackpot and becoming instant millionaires. Some would work too hard for the money / prestige. I don't see that kind of life as fulfilling, because one never gets satisfied.
ReplyDeleteYes...Irene...sad, they are everywhere.
DeleteHi, Janaki! ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic story!
I must say, though, comparison didn't cause that... coveting and lack of self-reflection, among other things, caused that. She could have compared her life to the others and determined that their version was not appealing, as I did in a similar situation, and then the story would have turned out differently...
Thank you for joining the Comparison Blog Hop -- Your post touched my heart! XO
Linda...it also arises out of ignorance. Sometimes when you take that path, you realize it is not for you. But, some people get entangled in it.
DeleteThanks for sharing.
This kind of story is never ending because we never get enough. We never get enough because we don't know what is enough.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, it is envy that keeps people apart. I feel sad with this story...
:( Thanks for the visit and sharing your views Melissa.
DeleteThis is sad, but true for so many. They lead empty lives of "stuff", then discover they have nothing.
ReplyDeleteGood write.
Thanks Myrna.
Deletethe empty nest is a sad place to come home to..this is what happens when we want the best of everything,,and we teach out=r kids to want the same,,,soo they are flying on their own and only the empty nest is left,,, comparison stole joy..As always...XOXOXOOX
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie.
DeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have material things, but where does one draw the line? This sounds like the life of many...sad & pitifully empty...no real joy to life at all.
Nice write-up Janaki.
Thanks for sharing.
Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...
I know...growing steadily, understanding the value and the effort is so different than mindless competition to mimic others.
DeleteYou definitely can miss out on a lot while chasing an impossible dream. Great story.
ReplyDeleteI so understand this, have seen it happen, I was blessed with frugal and attentive parents that saw to our family first then the income that fed them.Dad was harsh I really didn't like him much but he did do some things right. this is an excellent post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSimple living...high thinking, must me the motto. Thanks Jan.
Delete"They have everything material that is immaterial to their happiness." Great line Janaki. What does it profit one to gain the whole world and lose one’s own soul? Is ‘keeping up with the Joneses worth it? Thoughful post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Debra.
DeleteJanaki, Fantastic story and how nicely it has proved your point. Creative genius :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sulekha.
DeleteTragic, really tragic!. I don't envy such life.
ReplyDeleteMe too....thanks Luchi.
DeleteGreat story that illustrates the point perfectly. Thanks, Janaki!
ReplyDeleteThank you Adriene.
DeleteThanks Punam.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many who lose out on real life like this. You brought it out so clearly in this short story.
ReplyDeleteit is sad but true <3
ReplyDeletePowerful message... the price some are willing to pay! Excellent story...
ReplyDelete