Jennifer Hoffman, March 7, 2011
I have several clients who have just completed major milestones in their lives that will enable them to reach large audiences and to be recognized as experts in their fields. They have worked hard for these achievements and are proud of what they have done. But they are hurt and puzzled by the actions of people around them because instead of sharing their joy, they either act like nothing has happened or are rude and inconsiderate. My clients ask why others can’t be happy for them and share in the joy of their success. And this affects how they feel about their work.
Since we have been speaking for some time, I reminded them that we had discussed that this would happen because there would be jealousy around their success. And I also told them that they should not take others’ opinions to heart because they would come from their belief in their limitations and from that perspective they would see anyone’s accomplishments as proof of their own inability. What is important is that my clients avoid taking on these opinions as their own truth and not let others’ opinions of them become their opinions of themselves.
As we begin to release energy that has been stuck for some time and start creating success, we may be surprised at how others respond. They may not be kind or even acknowledge us. They may try to diminish our accomplishments or be overtly jealous. When we begin to shine our light others can respond in hurtful ways because our success shines the light on their failures (or so they believe). Suddenly they are aware of the book they could write, the business they could build, the things they could be doing but do not have the courage or motivation to start.
One way we can avoid this is to limit ourselves, so we do not have to face others’ opinions, to deal with their unkindness and rejection. And many of us do that. But another option is to shine our light as brightly as we can and know that when we do those who can support us will step forward and others will not. Everyone forms an opinion based on who they are, not who we are, although it is directed at us. The more we acknowledge ourselves the more we can feel compassion for those who think that by attacking us they will make themselves feel better and move on to shine our light as brightly as possible, knowing that we are doing what is right for us and we deserve to enjoy our success even if others do not.
Copyright ©2011 by Jennifer Hoffman and Enlightening Life OmniMedia, Inc. This material is protected by US and international copyright now and may be distributed freely in its entirety as long as the author’s name and website, www.urielheals.com are included.
