Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Jealousy...What a Beautiful Emotion!


Jealousy, what an amazing and sneaky emotion! I was so pleased with myself the other day while thinking, “I am so glad I was created with the temperament such that I don’t find myself jealous of others, but rather find joy in their success, happiness and well-being, even if they have what I want.” Yes, it is as soon as we puff up our chests with a sentiment such as this that a reminder of our humanity is served to us on a silver platter, or Instagram.

This past Sunday the weather was unseasonably warm and was a day that beckoned outdoor play. I was sick and I had LOTS of work to do. I had no choice but to spend my day inside or rushing from place to place. I opened up Instagram and beautiful hiking photo after beautiful hiking photo popped up. I felt myself overcome with a pouty feeling at which I smiled.

One of my favorite lines from Maya Angelou’s book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is (paraphrased) “Sista, if you find something about yo’ self that you don’t like, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” This has been something I have returned to time and time again. You can replace “yo’self” with anything, a situation, circumstance, etc.  It is wonderful tool for balancing emotions and feeling truly happy and content in life.

Anyhow, I momentarily lamented about the beautiful January day that I unfortunately could not spend outside and then it fluttered away and I was able to feel joy for my friend who was out frolicking in it. To make up for the beautiful day I missed, I seized the opportunity and carved out an hour from my Monday afternoon to do a little playing myself.  In this case, my momentary tinge of jealousy served as an inspiration for me to feel joy for another and receive joy in the action I took as well.