The best thing we carry as human beings is our unique qualities, intellectual, physical, and even our lifestyle. We are created by a masterful hand and there is none exactly like us in all the earth. The reality of our unique qualities and attributes should be a cause for celebration, yet not all of us celebrate ourselves. We might gift ourselves through the anniversary of our birth or enjoy others celebrating with us but that is once a year.
Every one of us should celebrate ourselves daily because there is none like us. Our Creator designed us to be unique and as a unique gift to this world. Where we get messed up regarding our self-celebration is when we become jealous of others. To a degree, some couple’s jealousy is actually relationship-healthy. God is said to be a jealous god. Jealousy in small amounts out of love is different than jealousy out of envy. To be envious and jealous is harmful and states we believe someone else or others are better than we are. Or we might believe somehow another has something we do not, yet deeply desire to have it or be like the other.
Actually, when you think of it, to be jealous of someone else is a huge blow to who you are and the uniqueness of how you have been created. No one is better than you are, just different. Your unique life path has been created just for you and should be honored by yourself. God honors truth. Be honest with yourself. Are you jealous of someone else because of who they are or what they might have? Do you find yourself being cruel to others because you wish you could be like them? Jealousy that comes from deep envy makes a person hard inside and steals from the love and compassion we all should have.
Although not everyone is kind, any time we get an opportunity we should celebrate others and their accomplishments. We should celebrate them because they have been uniquely made by a Creator who is absolutely genius. I tend to get a bit offended when someone suggests I am jealous because that insinuates I think they are better than I am. No one is better, only different. Do you really want to put yourself in the position of thinking yourself lower than another? Individuals who are jealous and envious of others tend to think very low of themselves, suffer from low self-image, and will try to undermine the one they are jealous of. Is this the way we should be? Is this the way YOU want to be? I hope not! I want you to see the uniqueness of who you are and how special you are to God and this life we live. We all have a unique quality to bring to the table of life. Celebrate yourself for all you are! Celebrate others for who and all they are!
I realize sometimes it is hard to celebrate others because of the sense of entitlement they might display outwardly. Their sense of entitlement is only an indication of their low self-image. It is also an indication of some sort of abuse in their past. Maybe they were not treated well or did not have much growing up? But, that is another story and another blog post! In the meantime, take a look at who you are. Celebrate your own uniqueness and qualities so you are less likely to be jealous of others.
Let’s work toward a more peaceful and accepting world!
Loving you from here,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 