Famous American novelist and humorist Mark Twain once said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” That statement is most certainly true when one compares himself or herself to other people with regards to worldly possessions. It is so easy to look at others who sport designer jeans, speed down the highway in a Mercedes Benz, and live in the most fashionable and sought after neighborhoods and become at least mildly envious. In that respect, comparison most certainly can be the death of joy. Sometimes, however, comparing oneself to others can be a method of deep soul searching and a way to evaluate oneself while examining “the good, the bad, and the ugly” both of oneself and of another person. Such was the case for me while recently reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee with my students this fall. I have read the book many times, but this time I started to think about which character is most like me. The conclusion I drew was not exactly a pretty one. I found myself relating quite a bit to a character I do not even …show more content…
We have had many conversations about what is and is not acceptable to wear to a church or funeral service, what kind of tops to wear with leggings, what constitutes appropriate swimwear, what not to wear when Grandma and Grandpa are around, and the list goes on and on. While I would like to attribute the noblest of motives for my expectations of what my children wear or do not wear, I have to admit that sometimes, like Aunt Alexandra, my motives are not completely noble after all. Instead of trying to understand my children’s wardrobe choices as an extension of their identity and personal preferences, I have been more concerned about what others think of me as their mother. I know that like Alexandra, I could certainly improve myself in this area of my relationship with and communication to my