Jealousy: The Good & Bad

Everyone's Journey in the Pursuit of Happiness, is different; with varying pitfalls, highs, and obstacles. I can say with confidence that after 28 years, I'm a pretty happy person. I can't say that for others I know, but at least I can about my journey.

It's an unfortunate fact, but some people will always be jealous of you. Maybe their journey is a rockier road. Or it's not turning out as well as they thought. But some people are always looking in someone else's lane.

Now, there's good jealousy and bad jealousy. The Good kind of jealousy can motivate you. Push you to be a better person. It can inspire you to reach your goals. And then there's the Bad kind. This is the type of jealousy that can occur at any time, over any little thing; and usually it's within the person least expected to be jealous of someone else. But that's because things aren't always what they seem.

I used to envy some of my girlfriends, For their husbands, families, houses, wardrobe...you know, the basic stuff one can be envious over. Until I really started working on my own journey. Once I met my husband, all that melted away. Now I had a goal worth investing in; our family, our house (my own wardrobe, but you get the picture). That's the Good kind of jealousy. And there's nothing really wrong with that if you can use it as a motivator.

But sadly, there's some people that will look at your success as not only their failure, but a personal curse. I think everyone has an idea of this type of person: They can't stand for anyone to be on top, but them. Always quick to remind you of setbacks, harsh realities, and even your past. Whatever it takes to steal the spotlight. I'm genuinely happy for people I know that are doing well in their life. Sadly, not everyone is like this.

So what can you do about it?

I try to be as understanding as possible with someone who is like that. It's the only way I can not only tolerate their feelings, but try to inadvertently help them at the same time. For instance: my friend's who poke at me for being skinny. Well, none of them are my size-actually, quite heavier. Yes, it's childish to comment on someone's weight, no matter what it is. And that's what I remind myself-along with the possibility that maybe they just make rude jokes because they are struggling with their own issues, and that's how they deal. It's easier to attempt an understanding and shrug it off, rather than to get angry about it.

There's really nothing you can do about it but shrug it off. Keep doing you. Like I said before, some use jealously as a healthy motivator. It's not your fault that it's turned into something bad. And it shouldn't keep you from completing your journey to happiness. And maybe one day, after seeing you still happy and content with your life goals, whomever is exuding that negative jealousy towards you, can turn it into a motivator instead. By continuing on your journey without allowing them to slow you down, you are giving them the best inspiration possible, to change their lives.

The worst thing you can do, is let the inevitable (jealous people) stop you from achieving.