I love the kid story! Totally using that.
I definitely understand what you mean. My thinking is much more "child #2" now- I find the good. I often say how I am an interesting combination of my parents- my dad is one of the greatest optimists I have ever known while my mom is much more a skeptic, leaning towards a cynic (or well there, as the Brits would say, these days). Sober, I am way closer to my dad's worldview. It is such a better way to live.
I choose to be happy. It's part of my program of sobriety. Comparison is easy, and dejectedness is a reality sometimes, but I really try to bring it back to the present and focus on gratitude, and that helps tremendously with my level of peace and satisfaction.