Jealousy

Jealousy is a green-eyed devil, luring us down the path of least resistance. Wanting, but not providing, tempting, but not delivering, always believing that life is coming up short of what it should be.

Jealousy at its root is insecurity, causing us to believe that we are inadequate, undesirable, less somehow than somebody, or everybody, else. If only we could be as talented, as beautiful, as rich, as enticing as other people, we would be happy, or at least happier.

Jealousy causes us to yearn for what is just out of reach, unattainable no matter how we stretch and grasp for our goal. Perfection is somewhere in the future, never where we are.

Jealousy wants all of our time, all of our attention, and forbids any compromise. It is never good enough to settle for less than we believe we should be or should have. It grows in the petri dish of our unhappiness, and we willingly feed it, then unhappily watch it develop as it will.

Jealousy can be conquered. It may take an extra large helping of love, forgiveness, and faith in the future and in ourselves.

No one else can conquer your jealousy; the battle will take place within you, and you must win it yourself. It may be the most difficult conflict you have ever encountered, but it may also give you the greatest gratification when you succeed, and peace returns to your life.