Day 232

While saying others have had it worse, or yet still have it worse than you does not minimize the trials you are going through, here is some comparison for thought. I share because sometimes I forget, I am not unique. Problems are not new. War and disease are not fairytales from the past, rather we've just been lucky to not be impacted by them on such a grand scale as those before us. Acknowledge your struggles, but don't get comfortable with them. When you can, pick yourself up and keep moving. Enjoy the life you were meant to live despite, or perhaps in spite of, the circumstances around you.

Imagine you were born in 1900.

When you're 14 World War I begins and ends at 18 years old with 22 million dead.

Shortly after, a global pandemic flu called 'Spanish' kills 50 million people. You come out alive and free, you are 20 years old.

Then, at 29, you survive the global economic crisis that started with the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, causing inflation, unemployment, and hunger.

At 33, the Nazis come to power.

You turn 39 when World War II starts and ends at 45. During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews die.

There will be over 60 million deaths in total.

When you're 52, the Korean War begins.

At age 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends at age 75.

A boy born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is, but they have survived several wars and disasters. A boy born in 1995 and now 25 years old thinks it's the end of the world when his Amazon package takes over three days to arrive or when he doesn't get more than 15 likes for her photo posted on Facebook or Instagram.

In 2020, many of us live comfortably, have access to different sources of home entertainment, and often have more than we need. People complain about everything however, they have electricity, phone, food, hot water, and a roof over their heads.

None of this existed before. But mankind survived far more disastrous circumstances and never lost the joy of living.