OUBAITORI – The Art of Not Comparing Yourself To Others
Am I enough? Is this enough? Is this better than theirs?
Why am I still here? Why are they there?
I have to go there too! I’m going to have it too!
Mine should be better, theirs are not enough
That should be me, it should be mine
My house must be bigger. My car must be more luxurious!
I must get the latest phone! I must do and have the latest trend!
Isn’t it exhausting? To always wear out your energy over comparing and competing with others? To keep looking at the other side of the grass to whoever is greener? We all go through those questions, we are always skeptical of ourselves. We are all always in a hurry to be somebody.
That somebody, we have seen from others didn’t magically appear. It took time and effort. Thus, it bloomed from due process.
The Japanese people and their culture have always amazed me since I got to know a few of them. They have a lot of concepts that are inspired by nature. One of all the Japanese Concepts is Oubaitori.
Oubaitori is easier to remember “The Art of Not Comparing Yourself to Others”, and in kanji 桜梅桃李. The kanji is from the iconic trees that bloom in the spring season; Cherry Tree, Plum Tree, Peach Tree, and Apricot Tree. They all bloom alongside each other during the season but uniquely.
In life, No two people are the same, we are all unique. It’s just a matter of taking enough time to assess your own character, capabilities, skills, and traits. You do not have to hurry. All, you have to do is sit down, relax, and start remembering and acknowledging; all your positive traits, the skills that you already have and can still improve. Remember, “Life is a race not a marathon”, quoted by Phillip C. McGraw. A marathon where you are not being judge who sprinted and won, but you are in a competition only with yourself. While competing with yourself, just slow down and enjoy each moment.
You may slowly give yourself a time to assess your own character, capabilities, skills, and traits. Once we stop watching others and start understanding ourselves. Everything will start to change especially your point of view and you will start to appreciate life, value yourself more and this time happier.
ok