Jealousy: Thief of happiness
Jealousy is a thief. It steals your joy. While you’re busy being envious of others, you’re allowing happiness to escape your life.
Some people spend a lifetime envying others, and this type of behavior leaves a person feeling ‘less than’ and unsatisfied. If your time is wasted lusting after the lifestyle of another, you’re not enjoying the blessings you have.
We are all blessed in different ways, and it is up to us to recognize the things that can make our lives feel full. I don’t need a Ferrari or a mansion to make me happy. My idea of happiness? Once the last kid is grown and our nest is empty, we’re selling the house and striking out in a fifth-wheel trailer that has about as much space as a standard hotel room. To me, that’s happiness. All I need is my husband and GPS. You know what? GPS is optional. I don’t care if we get lost along the way. A simple life with simple pleasures — that’s happiness.
There is something beautiful about the differences in each of us. We’re all different and want different things, and this is what makes life interesting. One of the most joyous occasions in life is finding someone who shares your interests. For some, that’s a spouse. For others, that’s a best friend. No matter what kind of relationship it is, it’s having a relationship and connecting with another person that makes life worthwhile. If we live a life consumed with jealousy, we ostracize ourselves and fail to make connections with people who could greatly enrich our lives. We’re effectively stealing our own happiness when we allow jealousy to be part of our lives.
Sometimes we need to step back and look at the bigger picture. Only then can we see what’s really going on and appreciate what we have. Ponder these scenarios.
“Sally just got a new car. I wish I could buy a new car.”
Sally’s car broke down and left her stranded on the side of the road. She struggled to get back and forth to work for a while, and the repair estimates were higher than the car’s total value. She was forced to buy a new car, putting herself in debt and adding to her daily struggles. You might see a luxury. Sally saw it as a necessity, and it changed her entire budget. While you’re envious of Sally’s new car, you’re failing to appreciate your reliable vehicle and overlooking Sally’s hardship caused by an additional payment each month.
“Jack always wears designer clothing. I wish I could afford designer clothing.”
Jack’s mom has to save money to stay on budget. It has made her a smart shopper. Jack’s clothes came from thrift stores and department store clearance racks. While you’re picking up new clothing in the store without worrying about how it affects your budget, Jack’s mom is going from store to store and finding the cheapest deals she can because she can’t afford those same clothes you’re buying. In order to keep Jack clothed and have enough money to put food on the table, she has to find clothes cheaper than that, and she’s scouring for prices below what you’re paying to make sure Jack doesn’t go hungry. A smart shopper can find designer brands cheaper than regular brands. While you’re envious of Jack’s designer clothing, you’re failing to appreciate your own budget that allows you to buy new clothes and stay fed with no worries.
“Diane took her children to Disneyland. I wish I could take my kids.”
Diane’s youngest child was just diagnosed with cancer, and the trip was paid for by an organization that grants the wishes of terminally ill children. That trip was the last vacation she would take with her child, and she would do anything to trade places with you because your children are healthy.
“Beatrice has nice things, her children are always dressed so nice, and her family is always doing things. It seems like she has it all. I wish I had her life.”
Beatrice’s husband works 60 hours a week or more to provide for their family. Most nights, they don’t have a family dinner because he’s still at work. He doesn’t get to attend school plays, dance recitals, and spelling bees. When they take the children places, it’s the most time they get to spend together. Her family sacrifices something far more valuable than money to provide for their children — time. They miss out on the things you take for granted.
You don’t always know the full story. What you should know is there is always someone less fortunate who would feel rich beyond belief to have some of your blessings. Appreciate what you have, and don’t let jealousy steal your joy. Envy never leads to happiness.
