What To Do When You Feel Jealous | Fast & Easy Way To Stop Feeling Jealous

You can't be happy for others until you are happy for yourself.

It's so hard sometimes. It seems that your peers, friends, and family are always one step ahead of you. Your friend is getting married while you're just falling in love. Your sister bought her first home while you're only now establishing your career. Your cousin is making a career off his art work while you just enrolled in beginners dance lessons.

You find yourself feeling jealousy towards those who seem to be ahead of you. You struggle with coming to terms with this and your jealousy transpires into resent. You feel disgusted with yourself.

I don't know about you, but I want to be the type of person to feel happy for other's successes. And usually I do! But I am only human and I have imperfect moments. That's OK though. It means I still need to keep searching to understand myself a little better. And I love learning new things about myself.

I had an off day today. I felt bitterness and jealousy which left me in an emotional state. I don't like that feeling so I had to center myself. I mediated. And I came to the realization that we cannot feel happy for others when we are not happy for ourselves. When we are happy for ourselves, then we can feel happy for others.

But isn't that egocentric? Well... yes and no. We really need to learn to love and be happy for ourselves first and foremost. That's part of self love and it's crucial for our well-being. At the same time, we shouldn't just feel happy for other's when we have something that makes us look "equal to" or "better than" someone. Do you get what I'm saying? First, we need to learn to be truly happy and proud of ourselves first. Then, we can learn to be truly happy for others. I have some steps to help you on this journey.

1. Acknowledge That You Feel Jealous

I do not believe in suppressing emotions. Even negative ones. We are human and we reserve the right to feel every emotion and feeling there is. (I wrote a blog on that which I will link below). Acknowledge to yourself that you feel jealous. There is no shame in that. It happens to all of us.

2. Ask Yourself Why Your Are Jealous

Avoid superficial answers and dig a little deeper. Are you jealous your friend is getting married because you are not satisfied with your partner? Are you jealous that your sister is making a career from her art because it reminds you of your failed attempts at publishing your book?

3. Center Yourself

For me today, I centered myself through meditation. I closed my eyes and focused on my breath for 30 minutes. Meditation comes in many forms. It can be a walk or coloring. Just ensure that you are in the present moment and self-aware.

4. Do What You Do Best

In times like this, consuming (TV, media) can make you feel worse. Instead, produce! Do whatever you're good at or whatever you enjoy.

5. Don't Be Hard On Yourself

Forgive yourself for feeling jealousy. It does not make you a bad person. And remember  that comparing different people is like comparing apples to oranges. It doesn't make sense. The only person you can compare yourself to is you.

I hope this article finds you well.

Let me know what kind of blogs your interested in. I'm open to suggestions :)

Ang

Here is a link to my previous article:
My Calling: A "Plant-Based" Joruney | A Personal Story

And another relevant blog:
How To Deal With Negative Emotions

9 Signs You Are Going To (And Should) Live A Spiritual Life

When I was a child, my dad told me he knew that I was going to live a spiritual life. And naturally as a teenager, I was somewhat rebellious and defiant. I wasn't my true self and I did not express my true interests. Perhaps because I didn't understand them. But who am I kidding? I love yoga and meditation and I care deeply about every living being on this plant. As I grow older, I only embrace this very important part of who I am more and more.

I didn't understand much about Spirituality as a child. And growing up, I didn't think that my interests or beliefs were something Spiritual. But they most definitely were. Living a Spiritual life is changing me everyday. Although it's not always easy, it has definitely given me so many benefits. I'm not going to talk about those benefits right now. Instead, I'm going to share with you signs that you are (or should be) living a Spiritual life based on my own experience.

1. You Are Intuitive 

You just know things. You don't know how you know, but you do. I remember when I was in university, I contemplated skipping class (which I often did). However, I had a feeling that I should go this time. I did, and it was a good thing as the class was presented with a pop quiz! This "knowing" may present itself to you as a good or bad feeling which pulls you in a certain direction. It's what some people call your "gut instinct" or "gut feeling". If you have ever experienced this, you may be living a Spiritual life without even realizing it.

2. You Are Empathetic

Empathy is when you actually feel what other people feel. They don't need to tell you what's going on; you don't need to put yourself in their shoes. When they cry, you cry. You can tell when someone is in a bad mood just by being near them because you can feel it too. It's not always going to be obvious that you are experiencing someone else's emotions. You may often confuse them with your own and then think of yourself as an overly emotional person. If you are an empathetic person, you should consider jumping on the Spiritual wagon!

3. You Are Concerned About The Environment

You always turn off the lights when leave a room. You never leave the water running. These behaviors may not have been encouraged by anyone. You're just aware of the world around you and that it needs to be protected. And you do.

4. You Feel Compassion For Animals

Maybe you ensure that what you buy did not affect any animals. Maybe you are vegan or vegetarian. Maybe you refuse to attend zoos and circuses. Or maybe you simply love animals and you feel some connection to them. Either way, being aware of or feeling equal to animals is deeply Spiritual, whether you realize it or not. 

5. You Want To Take Care Of Your Body

Not necessarily to lose weight, to look better, or to have more energy. You do it because you know that what you put in your body matters. Even if you don't yet understand why it matters. Not only is eating healthy a sign of Spirituality, eating well can even help you progress on your Spiritual journey.

6. You Have A Purpose

That may be art you want to share with the world; a personal story to inspire others; or knowledge and skills to help people. Maybe you do not even know what it is yet. But you know that you will create, inspire, and help. My purpose is doing this. I love writing and helping people on a deep, Spiritual level.

7. You Have Had A Calling

I remember when I decided to stop eating meat. I wasn't being influenced by anything. I just felt that I needed to stop eating it. This happened about 8 years ago and I haven't eaten meat since. I believe it was a calling. If you have ever experienced something similar, you are on your way to a Spiritual life.

8. You Crave Deep Conversations

Small talk and mindless parties can be fun for a while, but they bore you. You would rather sit with a few close friends and talk about anything from politics to religion to ghosts and aliens.

9. You Always Find Your Way Back

You may have felt like you lost interest in Spirituality. Maybe you stopped meditating or eating healthy. But for some reason, you always find your way back to it. You rely on it. You realize it is part of who you are. And when you do get back on tract, you feel Spiritually stronger.

If you have ever experienced anything from the previous list, you are probably well on your Spiritual path, even if you don't realize it. I encourage you keep going. Keep exploring.

I want to say that I don't believe that certain people are chosen to live Spiritual lives. We are all Spiritual. Or at least the potential is there. For some people, like myself, Spirituality may come a little more naturally with a little less effort. And that's OK. We are all at different places in our lives and that is a beautiful thing.

I would love to hear from ya. What prompted you to live a Spiritual life?

Namaste

Ang

A Morning Routine That Eases Anxiety

Have you ever been woken from your sleep to anxiety? I have. This morning, actually. What a great start to your day. Yes, that was most definitely sarcasm.

I was off the past 3 days. I woke up before my alarm clock eager to start my day. I wrote, danced, played, and spent time with friends and family. It was pure bliss.

Then I woke up Monday morning with a racing heart, knots in my stomach, and a tightness in my chest. I had to go back to work. Now, don't get my wrong. I am not in a dead end job making minimum wage. I am so grateful for my job. But at the same time, it does not compare to spending time at home doing whatever you want. And don't get me started on those 12 hour shifts!

We all have to do things in life we rather not do. That's the reality for most people, whether it's temporary or not. With that being said, I have conjured a routine and habits so that these things do not take away from my happiness. I will share these with you. 

I usually don't work until later in the afternoon, so I do them in the morning when I wake up. I urge you to do the same. Make time. Make time for yourself. It's so important.

1. Show gratitude

Whether you're going to work or school. Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it. Show thanks. Not everyone is fortunate enough to do what you are doing.

2. Your situation is only temporary

You are not going to be in school forever and you don't need to work in your current job forever. If you are down because you want more out of your life, understand that your current situation is only temporary and that it is guiding you to where you need to be. 

3. Meditate 

I meditate for about 20 minutes. This helps bring me back to the present moment as opposed to focusing on something that hasn't occurred yet (such as my 12 hour shift tomorrow). 

4. Eat well

What is healthy for me may not be healthy for you. But taking the time to prepare a healthy meal is a great way to make yourself a priority. Plus, it gives the proper fuel for the day and so much more. Eat and eat well!

5. Find something to look forward to

This can be yoga, art, sports, or more meditating. I would stay away from media (television, Facebook) and stay within the realm of creativity. This will give you sense of purpose and achievement. Who wouldn't look forward to that after a day of work?

If your current situation gives you anxiety or causes you to feel down, know that you are not alone. 

I hope that these suggestions inspire you and help motivate you. I also challenge you to get creative and incorporate some of your own tips! 

Sending positive vibes your way,

Ang

Meditation For Dummies

No, I don't think you (or anyone) are dummies. But I found this title appropriate because most people think meditation is a lot more complicated than what it is.

Let me ask you something. How do you (generally speaking) meditate? What comes to your mind? Maybe you feel you need to get a pillow or blanket, sit down with your legs in full lotus, back straight, eyes closed. Maybe you think you need candles, dim lighting, music, chants and prayers. And there is a good chance that most people think they must clear their mind of all thoughts. 

Sure, these things can be done during meditation. I'm sure many people do. But they are not a requirement. Meditation is much simpler than what you may think. And that, in itself, is what makes meditation, well, meditation. Simplicity is key. 

Can you breathe? Yes. Then you can meditate. 

But isn't meditation suppose to be about clearing your mind of all thoughts? That is a goal of meditation, yes. But if you go into meditation with the expectation that you are not going to think, you are likely to get frustrated and give up.

I find this comparison helps people understand a little better. Let's say someone asks you to do 3 pull ups. If you do not work out and you have poor upper body strength, you are probably unable to this. But that does not mean the potential isn't there. If you started going to the gym and practiced, you will be able to do 3 pull ups in no time. Your brain works in a similar way. You need to "exercise" your brain in order to obtain a clear, conscious state of mind. 

Also, what happens when I tell you to NOT think of a pink elephant. Odds are, you thought of a pink elephant. I can promise you that the harder you try to suppress a thought, the more that thought is going to push back into your mind. That's my experience, anyways.

I'm going to share with you some tips that can help you with your meditation practice.

1. Get comfy

Whatever this means to you. I usually lie down. I find that if I sit up, I squirm to try to get comfy. Some people prefer sitting in chairs. Try different positions to see what works best for you.

2. Show gratitude

It doesn't matter to who or for what. It could be for the person who held open the door while you were carrying a bag of groceries. It could be for the glass of water you're drinking. I find that showing gratitude helps to center me and it brings me to the present moment. 

3. Let go expectations

You may have heard stories of people's experiences during and after meditation. If you go into meditation hoping and anticipating that something will happen, not only will it probably not happen but it will take you from the present moment. This is the opposite of what meditation is. Let go of any expectations. Just be in the moment and go with the flow.

4. Find something to focus on

This could be your breath, music, your body, a prayer or mantra. Anything. 

5. Let your mind wander

Yes, I said it. This is probably the opposite of what you heard. Now, I'm not saying to actively think and run with it. What I mean is that it's okay for weird and wonderful thoughts to occur. If they do (and they will), acknowledge your thought, set it aside (not literally), and with open arms, let the next thought come to mind if it so chooses to. Repeat this process it. Accept it and move on.

6. Bring you focus back

When you acknowledge that you are thinking, set that thought aside by bringing your focus back to your breath, mantra, etc that we discussed in tip 4.  

Step 5 and 6 will occur in cycles. With practice, you will have more focus and concentration and less thoughts

Don't give up! Continuing your practice even when it seems impossible is when the magic happens. 

Be present and accepting. Go with the flow. Most importantly, enjoy the process. 

Ang