The Green-eyed Fairy
‘Oh beware my lord of jealousy. ‘Tis the green-eyed monster that doth mock the meat it feeds on’
The temptation to refer to Othello was too strong to resist, but the manipulative words of the Shakespearean villain, Iago, were said to destroy a good man. My sweet take on jealousy is a sentiment that is being embraced all over the globe. And it works.
‘Oh there you are jealousy! You are the green-eyed fairy that comes to offer me the world!’
So ‘green fairy’ may vaguely sound like a reference to an alcoholic spirit, but the metaphor works for me. What if jealousy appeared to show us exactly what we want and what is possible for us?
While the simplicity of this concept is alluring (‘I’m feeling jealous. Oh, hey, I should do that!) we often get feelings of jealousy about things we actually don’t want or need. And yet, there is a lesson.
Example: If you become jealous of fame, ask.
Do I want this?
Why do I want this?
Where do I have this already?
What do I really want?
What steps can I take towards this?
In the case of something like ‘fame’ you may discover that what is really making you jealous is your admiration of someone’s confidence, or bold pursuit of their dream. You may discover that you crave recognition, but you can feel appreciated at any time if you sit and recall some beautiful words spoken to you or the smiles you get every day. Perhaps you will finally conclude, ‘It is time’, and go for what you want with absolute gusto.
So here are some cool steps you can take to make jealousy your mentor.
Step One: Say hi to it.
Step Two: Work out what exactly is making you feel jealous.
Step Three: Pay someone a genuine compliment and ask them a meaningful question about how they have achieved ‘success’ (insert whatever quality you desire)
Step Four: Know that what they have is truly available to you. If someone can do/have it, so can you.
Step Five: Go for it! Respect that feeling and go for what it is that is making you a little green.
Step Six: Know that if your success makes someone else jealous, you are doing them a favour. Jealous today, inspired tomorrow.
Your turn.
Please share what discoveries you have made using the ‘Green-eyed Fairy’. It is so cathartic to talk about it openly. I will share the last time I was jealous if you share yours!!!
Love Becky!
xxx