What IS this thing called jealousy? Other than a disturbing, unsettling bad feeling it literally means to have envy, suspicion, or resentment. But what Webster doesn't tell you is that it stems from fear. Fear of loss, unworthiness, and probably most often, of being unloveable. Being in pursuit or desire of something or someone and seeing someone else get it instead can bring out the worst in us. The trick is to not set yourself up for disappointment or measure yourself or your happiness by this single 'thing'. I'm not saying "don't have expectations or wants or goals", I'm just saying don't be attached to any outcome. If you find yourself feeling jealous, stop and think about the target and the source. Perhaps it's not about the "prize", but about your own insecurities that you need to address. And certainly if there's been a journey in pursuit of this "prize" that got out of reach or unattainable for you, consider that maybe it just wasn't meant to be yours in the big universal picture. Perhaps it was just the carrot that lured you through a journey during which you may have picked up a valuable lesson or insight, or two. Lift your head, reflect, and look around, you may not be in Kansas anymore.

Peace and light,
MD