“I think I’m going to get up and leave when they talk.”
I muttered as I sipped my almost cold coffee, booking flights for our business conference next week.
I couldn’t bear the thought of listening to my peers present on a stage while I sit in the audience.
“But I’m better than them!”……..
My hubby turned to me.
“Babe, jealousy is like swallowing poison.”
Wise words.
When we look at the root of jealousy, it’s affection, or a lack of it.
It’s fear of abandonment, and it’s holding the comparison stick to someone else.
I couldn’t help but wonder, are any of these thoughts useful?
Perhaps.
Whenever you’re feeling jealousy, stop and ask three questions.
1) What exactly do they have that I’m not getting?
When I sat with that question, I realized it’s a platform to spread their message. I made the decision right then and there that I’d blog more, podcast more, and network my tail off. Things I could control.
2) What threat is causing this alarm to go off in my head?
I didn’t feel relevant. It made me go back and re-assess my daily to do’s. Were they really moving the needle in my life or did I get comfortable?
3) Is this relationship worth preserving?
This jealousy was a wake up call that I needed to celebrate my small wins more. I needed to unplug a bit and come back with a clear mind and heart. I need to bring some gratitude to the presenters spreading their message.
Jealousy can be useful when looked at from a different lens.
It can motivate us to make change, change priorities, and change our daily habits.
Next week when I board the plane to this conference, I’m going with an open mind, and I’m leaving my comparison stick at home.