There is an Ugly Green Monster Under My Bed

When I was younger, there were times when I was jealous of someone’s success. Oh, I would try to disguise my jealousy in the form of criticism usually. In my head, I would poke holes in the person’s success. I would feel bad because I knew I wasn’t being nice. When I peeled the layers away to try to figure out what was going on, I recognized the green ugly monster that was residing within me. I was plain ol’ jealous. But, that was a long time ago. I have completely buried that monster.

If we consider yesterday a long time ago.

It happens all the time. Why are we so scared of others’ strengths?

I know why I am.

I am scared of the successes of another because I am insecure. I am not sure if I can keep up with them, I am not sure I even want to. When I see someone else doing something great, but it is something I am uncertain I can do, it is much easier on my psyche to criticize and judge them and to trivialize their successes than to accept my own weaknesses.

Yet, there are these beautiful people who float around and seem genuinely happy for others’ successes. I love these people. They have a light, airiness about them and they exude joy. They must have defeated their ugly green monsters in a skipping contest. Or, maybe they never had a monster at all. But, man, their smiles and enthusiasm for the hard work of others is a joyful sight.

They even want to share the successes of others, to shout them from the rooftops. Those monster-free people don’t seem to be worried about themselves at all as they celebrate the gifts bestowed upon someone else.

Are these people anomalies of nature, or can anyone rid themselves of the constraints of jealousy? I am asking for a friend…

If I were to create a recipe for a jealousy-free life, I might mix in the following: