Heather -
Thanks for this post! I, too, have always compared myself to others and put myself down. I still have a hard time not saying "are you crazy?!?" if I get a compliment.
I've gotten better at envying people by how they look, a lot because of the people I met when I first went to AA - a Dr. I had worked with admired (20 year RA), a judge, several nurses, lawyers, etc. All these people I would have thought "had it all"...little did I know they were dealing with the same thing I was "one day at a time".
I love the sandbox idea, too. Now, when I start to compare myself to others, I will remind myself to get back in my own sandbox!!
Hugs and prayers!!
Amy