I don’t read a lot of books that
I consider “life-changing” but I can honestly say that I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really) is life-changing for
me. Many times I sit back and look at my
life and I’m so grateful for the wonderful things I have. I have an amazing husband, a wonderful son, a
beautiful house, a loving family, and too many more blessings to count. But, at other times, I catch myself looking
at the lives of those around me, who seemingly have things that are better than
mine, or a life that is easier than mine, or (and this is a hard one for me) a
child that is better behaved than mine.
It is so easy to get our minds off of the many blessings God has given
to us, and wish for what someone else has.
The rise of social media in our day makes this attitude of discontent
and covetousness all the more real. We
spend most of our free time, and even time that isn’t free, looking at
Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest and
seeing little glimpses of other people’s lives that make them look so much more
appealing than our own.
I have been aware of this issue
in my life for a while now, but wasn’t sure how to address it and change
it. It is hard for me to even admit it,
or address it for what it is…jealousy, plain and simple. Kay Wills Wyma pulls no punches in this book,
and gives concrete, sometimes amusing and often painful examples of her
life. As she writes about the doubts
that assail her as a parent when other parents talk about their children’s
achievements, I can relate. I can relate
to that feeling of wishing that my house was as nice as someone else’s, or that
my husband did something sweetly romantic for me like a friend’s husband did
for her. So, what is the answer? How can we keep this green-eyed monster from coming
into our lives and stealing our joy and contentment? How can we learn to say along with the
Apostle Paul, “For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content?” Ms. Wyma presents solid advice
for learning to be content with what we have, and genuinely learning to be happy
for others when they succeed or acquire.
When we truly address our issues with jealousy and pride, only then can
we learn the fundamentals of peace, joy and contentment.
I cannot stress enough how great
this book is. I not only enjoyed reading
it, I have tried to put some of the lessons it teaches into practice. I recommend this book to anyone, especially
those who are on social media (which is basically everyone, right?). If you’re tired of living in a world where
less than, better than is tantamount, read this book. If you’re tired of looking around and wishing
for things you don’t have, read this book.
If you truly want to feel happy for others who may have more things, or
better things than you, read this book.
It will truly change your life, or at least your viewpoint of it.
Happy Reading!
Lyndsie
I received a copy of this book through the Blogging for Books program
in exchange for this review.
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