Member-only story
Joy’s Thief
Daily Meditation 1,091–3/2/2025
There’s this old expression “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
I like to pull ancient sayings like this as they were formed from genuine and accurate observations, much like stereotypes often form comedians’ stories.
But this expression definitely feels accurate doesn’t it?
A story:
I’ve been going to the gym since I was about 18. There were stretches when I definitely didn’t go, but since ~30, I’ve been fairly “religious” about going at least 3–5x a week. When I left high school, I was 115 pounds. I’m now 180, so something worked!
As a young man, I would do what’s called “ego lifting” where you lift way more than you should to show off to someone. In reality, as I’ve learned, no one gives a shit what you’re doing 90% of the time in life, least of all the gym!
I’m an average build, but fairly strong. 5'11" and 37 years old, I squat max around 330, and my deadlift PR is 507.5. I’m not weak, but I’m certainly not elite. I feel proud knowing in high school those were 85 and 125, respectively (I was a twig!).
There’s a dude at my gym who’s about 21 years old. He is 6'7" and probably 300 pounds.
The guy benches 590 POUNDS.
