Life is just...

Life is just... And by that I don't mean fair. I definitely don't mean that. I mean that it just is. Buddha taught us that life is suffering. Other schools of thought lead with the notion that if you do right, rewards will follow. I believe in karma. And I am a firm believer that what you put out there will be returned to you, both good and bad. Like attracts like.
Having said that, my beliefs are being tested today. I found out that someone I know who is not exactly the nicest person in the world has reached a major pinnacle of success in their career. They are not kindhearted, they are ruthless. They tread on people regularly to get to the top. They use people and discard them once they've squeezed out what they need from them.
So it made me slightly mad. And slightly sad. Because unfortunately that human trait of...i hate to say this, but let's call it what it is - jealousy, had me questioning where I am in life, what I'm doing and what I've actually achieved. In the past, I would have been in a real funk right now. And would be hating on that particular individual. And screaming about how unfair it is. But it's a new dawn for me and I'm happy to say that I allowed myself 5 minutes to feel whatever I wanted (which I'm happy to say was more about me than the other person) and then I took a deep breath and wished them well. Was happy for them. And funny thing is, I meant it.
As my best friend just said to me - you're running your own race. And my reaction tells me I've achieved a little something along the way. :)

On the flipside, someone I know who is the salt of the earth is also making full headway in their career and today is a big day for them. They are one of the most hardworking, talented, creative people I know. So prayers and bundles of positive energy are winging their way over to them...

PS
I still believe in karma.
You can't control anything except your own actions and reactions.

"Now don't you understand man universal law
What you throw out comes back to you, star.
Never underestimate those who you scar
Cause karma, karma, karma comes back to you hard."

Lost Ones, Lauryn Hill