So, I was sitting there just minding my own business when it happened–She appeared! I was appalled by her audacity. In the past, I have always been able to ignore her and continue living my life. Unfortuantely, she would not go away, no matter how much I refused to notice her. There I stood feeling completley frustrated and suspicious of the reason for her visit. Why was she here? What did she want? Who invited her? Wait! It was me! I allowed this intruder into my world of bliss.
During her visit, she showed me –the newly constructed deck in my neighbor’s backyard, the cute little cell phone that was advertised on television, and the recent trip that a friend of mine enjoyed with her family. All these distractions reminded me that we have crossed paths on several occassions. Honestly, I would much rather keep our relationship distant or non-existent.
Why am I so elusive about her name? Well, you see, you may already know her. She is not really the kind of ‘friend’ you want to share with others. She has a way of spoiling things, making you want more, and becoming dissatisfied with your life. If this has happened to you, then you have met my unwanted visitor—JEALOUSY! Sometimes her visits are short, other times, much too long!
I am ashamed to admit that she even knows where I live! I seek to avoid her, but she seems to find me again. How do I keep her visits short? Honestly, by calling on these “girlfriends”–CONTENTMENT and GRATITUDE. They are always available to help me push JEALOUSY out the door while bringing a positive attitude for me to embrace. I love how they remind me of the family and friends who love me, the house in which I live, and the necessities of life that sustain me.
These “girlfriends” are worthy of sharing. If you already know them—please tell us how you met today.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
First, I want to say how much I love the new site and path y’all are taking things here. Second, this post is so perfect. It’s not easy, but these little reminders that we’re all human and the negative stuff creeps in, but if we just focus and be intentional with our thoughts and actions, we can fend them off and let the good stuff in.
Contentment…I met her when my husband got his orders for deployment. I was going through life before that, always wanting bigger and better things. When Jake told me that he was being deployed to Afghanistan for a year, I realized at that moment that I was, and always had been, content with where we were at as a family…happy, healthy and together. I’d like to have that girlfriend back, soon.
Gratitude…most recently paid visit was when my daughter was released from the ER…healthy and alive. It was just a scary time for me, and her, that I had never been more grateful in my life to hear a doctor say “she’ll be okay”. I try to keep my friend, gratitude, by my said at all times now.
Thanks for this post! I definitely have to keep these two “girlfriends” by my side to keep jealousy out.
Such a great post! I am often preaching about others not paying attention to what they already have and more attention to what everyone else has…or is doing is such a huge mistake. I truly believe living happily within your own life and focusing on all of the good things that surround us is one of the major keys to happiness!
Off to spend an amazing day with my kids…totally enjoying both all day :-)
This was a great reminder. You’re right she does come visiting too often.
Thea I absolutely needed to read this today. I can easily live in the zone of wanting this and that – losing focus on what I DO have. Thank you for the great reminder. Xoxo!
Just last week, I wrote about jealousy and contentment in my journal. This has been on my mind for a while. I was planning on writing about it on Overcoming Busy soon, also. You put it so well. Jealousy can be fought and chased away by contentment and gratitude. We are so blessed and have no real “needs” that can’t be realistically met. But, somehow the line has been blurred between “needs” and “wants” in our society. I believe the line would become clearer with the help of these two “girlfriends”.
I spent the first few years (or more) in my brand new home with that same nagging friend buzzing in my ear. Distracting me from everything that I needed to be focusing on. Finally I was rescued by “my other girlfriends” and they set me free (except for the occasional visit from you know who). Thank you for the adorable reminder to keep our minds straight and that we are not the only ones with one of “those” friends!
I love my new community of “girlfriends!” You are most certainly the best friends this girl needs right now. Thanks!
Thanks for the reminder! It is so easy to let her creep into your life. My dad left for a mission trip to Haiti this morning. This is his 4th trip and let me tell you, there is nothing to make you feel more Content & Grateful than seeing the pictures of those sweet, beautiful children who are completely happy living in poverty. They have no concept of material things. They are just happy being alive. It really makes me appreciate all that I have in my life. I’m blessed in many ways.
Just popped over from reading your amazing, honest, and inspirational story at Shutter Sisters. I am feeling at a crossroads as my children are one by one heading off to full-day school (I stay home with them), and now I feel like I’m moving into the next chapter in my life. I want great things, but these great things need to be held in careful balance. It touched me to read your story, and to be reminded of the struggle for balance. Also to remember to call on those who can help us maintain (or regain) balance.
As for that nasty “jealousy”, I work at not comparing, to remind myself we all have special gifts and talents and to hone those, not worry about what someone else has/is doing. And you are so right about contentment and gratitude warding off the jealousy. Be content with you in the moment you are in, be grateful for those around you, and jealousy doesn’t stand a chance.
Whew, sorry for the wordy comment. Guess I had a lot to say!
Wow…for a minute there I thought you were talking about my mother-in-law.
Ha.
Seriously, great post. Sometimes we need a reminder to be happy with what we have!
Absolutely! The ugly creeps in so subtly, doesn’t it? It takes legitimate, intentional invitation to the good girlfriends to chase the ugly away. Gorgeous reflection on a universal experience!
ah, I like the the last two mentioned better myself:) Great post
You have a such a way with words. Thank you for sharing, and encouraging. Makes me think of Cheryl Crow’s ‘Soak Up the Sun’….”It’s not having what you want, but wanting what you’ve got.” Great stuff, gratitude rocks!