I saw the movie “Bridesmaids” the other night. It was hysterical! Finally, a well-written, funny Hollywood movie well worth the buttered popcorn calorie intake. “Bridesmaids” tells the story of a woman (Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph) who, on the surface, looks like she is about to step into the perfect life. Lillian is going to get married to a great guy and asks Kristen Wig’s character, Annie, to be her maid of honor.

Well, Annie’s life isn’t as fabulous. She’s dating this arrogant guy who is using her for sex, her cake shop has gone out of business, she lives with freaky roommates with weird accents and she can barely afford her bills. Sound familiar? I hope not.

Lillian’s other bridesmaid also seems, at least on the surface, to live a dreamy life. She is rich, gorgeous and married. She tries to outshine Annie as they compete for Lillian’s friendship while helping her plan a wedding. (Hey, I might compete too, Maya Rudolf is the best!)

All this drama plays out in a bunch of funny scenes, including one in which the women go “No. 2″ in their bridesmaids dresses after getting food poisoning from lunch. Don’t worry — the scene is more funny than disgusting.

The film touched on issues we all face: How do you keep from comparing your life to others? How do you not feel bad when others succeed in areas you wish you could?

The truth is, no matter how perfect things seem, everyone is going through their own crap (excuse the French) in life… even if it isn’t apparent. And when you’re jealous of someone, it’s just because you’re afraid you can’t have the same thing.

Martha Beck explains: “Asian philosophies refer to rank-obsessed human thinking as ‘monkey mind’ and ‘comparing mind’ — what I call ‘crazy mind.’ Constantly measuring ourselves against others sours and shortens our lives, robbing us of the very things we think it will bring: prosperity, love, inner peace, the knowledge that we’re good enough.”

There is always going to be someone smarter, more compassionate, more beautiful in your life. Instead of trying to compare yourself that person, compare yourself to where you’ve been in the past. Or compare yourself to the less fortunate. No matter where you are in life, you are where you’re supposed to be at that moment so that you can overcome your specific challenges. Well, at least that’s what the Buddha said.

Here’s another good quote: “Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.” ~Unknown

Finally, something you’re best at! I’m not sure Annie would agree at the time of her unfortunate stomach issues. But she does finally turn things around. Life can be fun that way… and funny as shit when you keep your sense of perspective — and a sense of humor — intact.