Share Joy

Why can’t we be happy for the success of other people? Sure, we might pull for our immediate family, or maybe even extended family to succeed and achieve their dreams. But outside of that many of us draw an instant comparison and wonder why we didn’t receive the reward or achieve the happiness or earn the money, that they did. We are good people. Why them? Why not us? If someone earns praise or a reward, we sometimes use that as motivation to out-do their feat. And even more often we mentally (or verbally) downgrade their achievement by stating some advantage they have over us or some privilege they enjoy that we are not afforded.

This bitter comparison starts in early childhood, and is seemingly a natural trait that many of us suffer with our entire lives. I have lived with it for 40 years. Only recently have I realized the impact on my life. How these negative feelings and unhealthy comparison have been slowly crushing my spirit and truly keeping me from feeling any sense of fulfillment. Since my walk in faith began, I started to see the alternative. But I am still a work in progress. My first reaction is to compare and question anyone else’s success and especially their motives. But now, I am quick to realize the unhealthy thoughts and try to change my perspective immediately. It helps me to remember that their level of success does not directly relate to my level of success. It is absolutely possible that we can both achieve our goals. God has a plan for each of us, and He does not put us in competition to achieve the things He sets out for us. Our plan and path is ours alone. Knowing this, I can allow myself to feel joy for others while still pursuing my goals. There is so much peace in just being grateful for your own blessings, and being genuinely happy for others experiencing their blessings.

I want to challenge you to find joy in someone else’s journey today. And when you do- let them know that you are happy for them. Just try it, and if it feels good and right – do it again. Eventually, you won’t be able to stop. And then you will realize that sharing joy is even better than experiencing joy.

I would love to hear your story and experiences. Leave a comment below or reach out if this or any other post inspires you or if you have a story to share.