🎶Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac. Gangsta whitewalls TV antennas in the back. You may not have a car at all. But remember brothers and sisters. You can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you’ve got.🎶 In “Diamond in the Back”, Curtis Mayfield so eloquently and smoothly preached about being cool in your own skin. Releasing jealously and shame by having self-worth. (Ole school grooving at its finest. https://youtu.be/ZVANQheoRUw)

Jealously! Humph… The reality is jealously is a normal feeling, but what you do with it is, where it can get you in trouble. First, avoid allowing the Ego to run the show. This will avoid the next day of potentially awaking with regret, guilt, and embarrassment after your previous day of showing out with having an out of body profanity filled rant or the flip side of a silent passive aggressive disposition. (Been there. Done that.) Both leaving others (and you) wondering “Who is that?” Second, never beat yourself up when feeling jealous or envious of another. What I mean is not allowing yourself to be consumed with feelings of lack or shame as a result of what someone else has or is doing.

Some years back, I was hanging hard with someone I love and care about. Not a lover, but a wonderful connection of love, respect, commonality, fun, and friendship. Then one day they met someone and started dating. Our hang out time, which could be several times a week, dwindled. In my attempts to be happy for their new found love, I had to deal with my jealousy and the loss of the connection as it had existed. For there was much joy, fun, comfort, and security in it. It took a bit to move past it and realize that there should be no downsides in the change. Eventually a slightly different relationship was created with my loved one. And, I even grew to love and appreciate their boo.

What I know about myself is that I love connection. It’s an aspect of being that I’ve desired since a child that’s oozed over to adulthood. And, especially connection where there is respect, love, fun, commonality, and reciprocity. So when I feel those important components of relationship are threatened, the ugly green monster may show itself. Because my then abandonment and self-worth issues shakes the sh*t out of my Ego. Which may fester into “WHAT? F*ck that…” That’s anger mood. Or the sadness mode of “Whoa is me. I’m so lonely.” But, in those moments, it’s for me to presence and know my worth. And, know that life moves and shakes. People change. Situations change. Remembering to not lose myself in relationships, especially romantic ones. Reposition myself. This could be by creating something anew in that relationship. Or it could be seeking another outlet or person where my desires can be met appropriately and who are seeking the same with reciprocity. “New moment. New opportunity.

”So the next time you feel envious or jealous, before you begin projecting (“You ain’t sh*t anyway.”), pause a moment. Take several breaths and center yourself. Presence yourself to the amazing person you are. Call in grace to avoid summoning the Tasmanian Devil in you. Tap into an outlet that is calming for you. Music. Taking a bath or a walk. Praying. Affirming yourself. Talking to a confidant you know can bring you off the ledge. And, if it’s a safe space, speak to the person you’re jealous of about your experience. Not in anger and blame. But, with vulnerability and honesty about how you feel. With the goal of understanding and removing your unhealthy ways of responding.

For, you may not have a great big Cadillac, diamond rings, a six to seven figure job, a significant other with the picket fence and 2.5 children, can travel the world, however you have YOU! And, there should be no shame in that. Also, remembering that someone elses riches may not truly be their gold. Not knowing how they received their perceived fortune and what they may be going through to keep it.

Who you are and what you have is what makes you YOU! Your walk is your walk. And, the Universe and all who love and care about you get to experience, respect, and honor you for your uniqueness and beauty. Being the same and having all the same things would make for a boring existence. Therefore, honor and appreciate YOUR “pure dopeness” and YOUR “gangsta lean”. 🎶Just be thankful for what you’ve got.🎶 Be grateful for you and your gifts. Knowing, believing, and having faith in that so much more is waiting just for YOU. Because after all you’re your own “diamond in the back”. Peace. Namaste. #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #BirthAndLiveYourSOULfullPurpose #HealingEqualsFreedom