Compare and Contrast

As an English major I was required to compare and contrast many pieces of writing and I think this theory  wove its way into my daily cognition.

I CONSTANTLY make comparisons based on a plethora of experiences, thoughts, literature, etc. and I don't know how effective it is. Take my mom for example. She's an anomaly, a incomparable woman with countless good deeds and positive energy. My experiences with a mom like her won't necessarily validate another mom's actions but nonetheless I compare and contrast my experiences with my mom to those experiences with other moms. You can't say I have to remain objective because in poetry there are many ways to read and understand a piece based on the reader's interpretation. An interpretation that might be based on emotions. Sure there are defined elements, but you cannot change the emotions or feelings it might evoke which would be different for every reader. Perhaps the author meant to evoke a sense of pride instead of sorrow...I could go on and on.

Lately I've been comparing my experiences at work with those I've had at previous companies and with former co-workers. Comparing and contrasting these experiences might not necessarily be objective, but to me they are. I've been wrestling with this trying to tell myself that it's not right to compare since it's not "apples to apples". But I don't think I've been giving myself enough credit. There are experiences I draw upon because they enlightened me or others that hindered me as an individual.

I'm thankful for the tool of comparing and contrasting. I think it keeps me on my toes. Some might say it means I have blinders or can't see past my own experiences. I wish to disagree. My experiences are what shape ME as a person and how I view the worlds I live in professionally and personally. Maybe it's a bit elitist, I'm not sure.

Don't get me wrong I'm definitely not one to say "well, we've only ever done it THIS way...". I'm all for growth, change and looking at things in a different way, but like poetry life has it's defined elements that are shaped by our own experiences.