I read a wonderful Tweet a few weeks ago, which was the inspiration for today's mantra:
Isn't that a great way to re-frame feeling jealous or envious of someone or something? Up your game!
I say this in all honesty, but I don't tend to get jealous when I see other people achieve things. Oh look, I AM human and occasionally do....mostly when people have cute babies or are able to jet off to exotic places with a moment's notice (!)....but on the whole I am really thrilled for people when they achieve something that I might like to do too. Because it shows me that it's possible. And if I occasionally do give in to the green-eyed monster, I know it's because it's something in me that's feeling insecure, left out or not good enough. It's all about me and nothing to do the object of my envy. Just because someone else has done something or acquired something that we want too it doesn't mean we can't go after it as well. Success is not like a tub of ice-cream that only has enough servings for 4 people....there is plenty to go around for everyone!
But I must admit I didn't always think that way. In my late teens and early twenties, jealousy was a very common emotion for me. I denied myself nothing in the food stakes (!) but I constantly felt deprived. I always felt like I was missing out. And when I heard of someone I knew or knew of who had been travelling overseas, or got a job they loved, or lost weight, I would have a huge grumble. "When is something good going to happen for me?! When are my dreams going to start coming true?" I would whinge to myself. Well, moping around in my home town, not challenging myself, not stepping up and being brave enough to change things I wasn't happy with.....was it any wonder?! Living that boring and unsatisfying life was all my choice. Other people living their lives and achieving their goals had nothing to do with me. If I wanted my life to change and start achieving something, I was going to have to up my game.
I think one of the downsides to success that people don't talk about very much is that you are often on the receiving end of other people's insecurities. It was a regular occurrence in the year or so after I reached my goal weight and I can tell you it isn't nice. Call me Pollyanna but I think our thoughts, words and actions in life should be focused on moving ourselves forward, not holding other people back. And I'm not sure why optimism and wanting to achieve things in your life sometimes gets mistaken for arrogance. If it weren't for those who are optimistic and forge ahead, we would all be stuck and have nothing to aspire to. Instead of wallowing and thinking "why can't that be me?"....make it happen for you too! Have the guts and determination to expect the best of yourself. Become a tall poppy. Up your game!
Have a happy Monday! Race report later :D