once again
your comparison is
getting the best of you,
stealing your joy,
the progress you have made
when looking around you
instead of straight ahead.
don't do that!
keep your head down
and put in the work.
allow yourself to rejoice
with others as they take steps forward
instead of allowing bitterness to take root.
we are all on a journey,
there is no hurry.
you are not behind or ahead,
just one foot in front of the other,
that's it.
do not cling to 
jealousy and fear,
how far has comparison ever taken you?
it either makes you feel superior 
or inferior 
and of what use 
do either of those have?
you are you.
they are them.
stay the course, dear one.
you know what it took to 
get you here,
keep it up.
don't give up.
upward and onward.

-what i wish could tell her when she measures 
herself against me