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natalie hughes: turning jealousy into compassion

By on July 16, 2013
natalie

Jealousy is a light destroyer. It shows its cruel, ugly head just when we are making progress and does things that are intended to quell the spirit, like speaking harsh words, ignoring great works, discouraging growth and putting a damper on the delight of life.

It’s easy to get offended by the people who don’t support our dreams for our lives; that is, until we go in under the layers and below the knee-jerk reaction to the core, the spirit and the truth. Sadly, it is often those close to us – our spouses, siblings and friends – that cannot hold back their own disdain for our inner beauty.

It’s also easy to play down our potential to those who we sense will be ruffled by our progress… and we stoop to not even mentioning the amazing transformations taking place in us, because we fear the backlash it may bring. We play it small to avoid discomfort in these relationships.

I asked the question to the universe, “What is at the root of jealousy?” and the answer that spoke itself into my mind, almost immediately was,

Jealousy is the manifestation of a life yet unrealized.

As I poked around a little more, I found this fitting quote from Canadian philosopher, Jean Vanier:

Envy comes from people’s ignorance of, or lack of belief in, their own gifts.

 Think of the people in your life who cheer you on… are these people who have a sense of personal contentment, and who follow their bliss? Are they happy about their own progress in their journeys?

What about the people who try to discourage you, argue your bright ideas or simply turn their nose up at your success? Are they discontented with the direction of their lives? Are they living an uninspired existence?

How many times have you yourself felt a pang of envy for someone who is stepping a little further into greatness, and not recognized the truth: what was bubbling underneath was a burning desire that only your own inspired life can satisfy?

There are two things you can do with the gift of understanding a jealous heart:

1. When you experience a moment of longing, use it as fuel to create your life. Clarify your desires. What do you want? What small thing can you do today to move one baby step in the direction your inner compass points to? Envy dissipates when we take action.

2. When you feel the sting of someone’s envy coming at you, remember the root within. Have some empathy for those with untapped freedom. You may need to distance yourself a bit from people who you feel are toxic in their jealousy, but you can still send love and understanding their way.

This I know: the absolute best thing you can do is continue to shine, right in the middle of the darkness. This commitment to your purpose along with a compassion for others will feed the fires of your soul!

Much Love,

Natalie

 

P.S. You can now download my song, “Freedom” and the rest of the songs from the BEAUTY ep from iTunes. Click here to preview and get the album, a soundtrack for your beautiful story.

beauty_backNatalie Hughes is the Editor in Chief of simplywoman.com, a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and the musical director for Crystal Andrus Productions, For more on her music, visit nataliehughes.com.

 

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