I was recently speaking to a friend of mine and she tends to do this thing where she compares her situation to other people’s and allow the comparison to cause jealous or shameful feelings. She feels ashamed of being upset about her problems when there are so many people out there with far worse problems going on and is often jealous when things are harder for her and so much easier for other people. This is a dangerous trap to get into and can create some very toxic thinking and energy around.
Instead, we need to recognize that we all have our own problems in life. We’re all different individuals with different circumstances and all feel our difficulties differently. And the problems and obstacles that we experience are tailor made for us – they reflect the lessons that we need to learn and experience in this lifetime. So, your feelings of difficulty are valid and you shouldn’t compare your problems to other people. However, if you want to approach it in a more healthy manner, express your feelings through gratitude for the experiences and circumstances that you have. It’s also an opportunity for compassion and sympathy for your fellow man.
When you have the opportunity to exchange shame and jealousy for compassion and sympathy, certainly take it – your mental state will be better and your energy will be better.
How have you done this in your own lives?
