A Good Reminder

My friend posted this on Facebook the other day and I absolutely loved it and asked permission to repost it here for you.  Thanks for the reminder, my friend!

Why is it that so many people feel threatened by
the success, achievements, attributes, and abilities
of those around them?

We are not any LESS successful, beautiful, talented, blessed, or happy if those around us also enjoy those same things, even if they may enjoy them in larger quantities than we currently do. Life is not a competition with only a finite amount of success to be shared by the entire human race. There is not less talent available to you because someone else increases their own talent.

We should not measure ourselves against those around us and only derive satisfaction from having MORE than someone else. We don't need to keep up with the Joneses and we can ALL be happy without everyone else having to be sad. 

No matter how hard you try, there is always going to be someone more talented, richer, more beautiful, more skilled, or lucky than you are. What's wrong with that? There are also tons and tons of people equally or even less fortunate than you as well. 

Be happy with what you have, whatever it is, and do it without comparing yourself to others. That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to better ourselves, but we don't have to feel threatened when others do the same (even when it comes easier for them). 

Our success, happiness, beauty and skills should be measured and enjoyed on an individual basis, not in comparison to the relative success, attributes, or abilities of others. There is plenty to go around! 

So the next time someone tells you about a fun vacation they are planning, just be happy for them... don't feel jealous that you aren't going there yourself or feel the need to tell them about a funner vacation you went on. If you see someone that looks especially fit or attractive, compliment them instead of feeling animosity towards them because you are somehow less attractive because they exist.

When your neighbor gets a raise at work, celebrate with him instead of complaining that you deserve a raise more than him and thinking of all the reasons why he isn't as deserving as you. And don't withhold help, support, and compliments that would benefit others. To do otherwise would be prideful and selfish. ;-) I will try to do better myself.

~ Jacom Stephens