Checks and Balances

I've been binge watching the Vikings. I know, it's a brutal show, but I find it a very thought provoking one as well. I can't get it off my mind concerning the subject of envy and jealousy. Two emotions that plague the world constantly and as a writer and artist I'm seeing the need to mention a check and balance.

We all know not to compare ourselves, our talents and skills to others, but we do. And the consequences of jealousy don't only affect the guilty party, they affect the recipient.

Think how much Rollo's envy affected Ragnar personally, not withstanding the wars that were fought. Grief was not the Viking King's only emotion, having lost a brother, but there was a lack of self-confidence in Ragnar that arose from Rollo's spite.

If someone is envious of you, how do you feel? If they don't rejoice in your triumphs, but rather despise them or wish you unwell, it takes something of your joy away, doesn't it? It hurts, and that's the intention, it seems. I find that I slip away into the shadows if I sense someone envious of me.

We can't fix how we feel in those moments other than to continually tell ourselves that other's opinions don't matter. But on the other hand, we can fix our own jealousies. We can cheer each other on...and mean it...instead of wishing we were in that person's place. When we do, the world becomes a much kinder environment.