From jealousy to joy

The grass is greener, isn’t it?  

Do you compare yourself to others?  

How does that make you feel?

Do you ever look at someone’s LinkedIn with 400 likes and 187 comments and think, “Wow… they’re doing amazing.  I’m…doing…nothing.”

I have that thought, too: “When do I ever get there?”  

But I’m a therapist.  I know how that spiral works.

Comparing yourself to others is a guaranteed way to feel bad. It’s like signing up for a race you didn’t train for.  Then, being shocked you’re out of breath.

You are not failing.
You are just comparing your Chapter 2 to their Chapter 20.

In Vedanta, the idea is simple:
Do what you are ready for.
If you’re not trained or prepared for something, you won’t do it well.  And that is O.K. It doesn’t mean you’re unworthy or unlovable. It just means… Wrong job, wrong time.

But when you see someone thriving, the mind whispers,
“How come they’re winning and I’m not?”
That little thought hurts.
Jealousy hurts.
And if you’re not careful, jealousy turns into resentment.  Now you’re upset at someone who didn’t even do anything to you.

That’s where karma steps in and says,
“Whatever you’re planting in your mind… you’ll be harvesting later.”

So, plant good seeds.

When jealousy shows up, pause.
Close your eyes.
Take a slow breath.
Exhale twice as long as you inhale.
Then, say,
“I let go of jealousy.”

Rejoice in their success.
If you can’t say it out loud, say it silently:  “I’m happy for you.”

Because good thoughts come back.
Good wishes return.
And shared joy multiplies.

Let go of jealousy.
Do for others what you want for yourself.