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.