PHOTOGRAPHY
Uplift Rather than Compare
April Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Life”
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
This phrase has been attributed to many people. Regardless of who initially said it, it has never been more relevant than in our modern times of social media. If there’s anything I’ve learned about life, it’s that everything is a matter of perspective.
People portray their life according to what they want others to see. Onlookers soak it up like a complete picture rather than a partial glimpse.
The truth is that everyone has personal struggles in life. We view life through our one-sided individual lens of preconceived ideas and personal experiences. We each have our strengths and weaknesses.
When I shot this photo, I pondered the rose filled with life in full bloom alongside the rose that had died. It reminded me that we cannot make a fair comparison of our beginning to someone else’s prime or another person’s end.
I’m not suggesting we ignore our differences. I’m saying we can admire others who seem to be doing well. Instead of saying, “Woe is me. The grass is greener on the other side.” Sometimes it’s more helpful to say, “Wow, your grass sure is pretty. How do you keep it looking so great?” I’m often surprised at how willing people are to help.
Comparison can be a useful tool in life. It can help identify social injustice and disparities. It can stoke the flames of positive change. It can promote admiration for one another and help us grow.
One of the nicest things about Medium writers is that we uplift one another. We share our victories and support each other’s success. That is far more beautiful than any rose I have ever seen. It’s a rewarding way to experience life.
Thank you for reading.
Mia Verita, 2023
Thank you to the hardworking editors of Six Word Photo Story Challenge, Mary Chang Story Writer, and Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for hosting this story.
Thank you, Sandi Parsons, for this inspiring prompt.
Mia Verita enjoys photography, sketching, writing poetry, and sharing inspirational stories.
If you would like to read all of Mia Verita’s stories and those of other Medium members, you can join Medium using her affiliate link. She will receive a portion of the membership fee at no additional cost to you.