A landscape designer transformed my neighbor’s yard into a spectacular display of lush gardens full of colorful flowers. Now his yard looks like a botanical masterpiece straight out of Better Homes & Garden.
The first time I saw my neighbor’s new gardens, I felt small and degraded. My mediocre mix of flowers and trees paled in comparison to his stunning horticulture. A green streak of jealousy ran up my spine.
Jealousy Causes Me To Resent Others
Jealousy always rears its ugly head, when I focus on what I don’t have. If I only see the positive things happening in other’s lives and the negative in mine, I become selfish and self-centered. I become envious and discontent with their advantages. I resent their success.
Somebody Will Always Have More Than I Do
There will always be houses with lusher grass and flowers with bigger blooms than I have, but no one can take away the good things that are within me. The more I respect myself, the easier it will be to accept good things happening in other people’s lives.
I may not have what they have at this moment, but we are on different paths. I have what I need. I have beds full of flowers, and trees that grow tall and strong. I do have an attractive landscape. Later on, I may be the one with a yard resembling a magazine photo, while my neighbor’s is dead and brown.
I Must Accept Myself As I Am
If I desire to have a perfect yard so people will think I’m special and pay attention to me, I am only harming myself. I must accept myself as I am. I don’t have to be perfect to be my best self, but I do have to be honest with myself. The solution is up to me.
When I appreciate what I have, instead of dwelling on what I lack, I feel good about my life. I can’t be jealous and grateful at the same time.
I Am Thankful For What I Do Have
Instead of comparing my yard with my neighbor’s, I will be thankful for all the plants and flowers that are blooming in my yard. I will be grateful for all that I have been given. By changing my attitude, I can be happy for another person’s abundance.
I have learned to accept my yard as it is—weeds and all. My neighbor’s backyard oasis reminds me that wonderful things can happen at any time to anybody. Now I hold my head high and celebrate his beautiful gardens, while I enjoy the stunning view.
6 responses to “My Neighbor’s Garden”
Thanks Sallie-
I can relate as I too have been struggling with jealousy lately. I will try to put gratitude to work and see if that can help to chase my green eyed monster away.
Thank you for your comment, Amy. Being grateful has helped me see my neighbor’s beautiful yard in a new light, a healthy light.
I hope it helps you, too.
Sallie
? thank you Sally, I love to read and then reread your blog posts. I find that I often come back to the same ones over and over again. ?
Thank you, Jacqueline. I appreciate your comments.
Sallie
Oh, Sallie! Such wisdom here. Thanks for sharing, and the pictures are amazing.
Glad you think my neighbor’s has an amazing garden. Thank you for your comments. Sallie