On a podcast a psychologist explained how jealousy can help one find happiness. The idea is that, for those of us who struggle to discover our sources of happiness, we can re-frame what we're jealous of as potential sources of happiness.

As an example, I am jealous of those who express themselves without hesitation. Though on writing that, I do appreciate that there is always some level of hesitation, some limit, some self-censorship. I suppose it's a scale of comfort in writing about personal topics. I am jealous of those who can write freely about their job, failures, successes, relationships, and so on. I hesitate strongly to write about myself, and hesitate even more strongly when thinking about writing about any one else.

To put the idea to the test, I can think back to past jealousies.

For example, I was jealous of those who meditated for long periods of time - where "long" meant more than 10 minutes. I have since done multiple 30 minute meditations. Would I say that I found a source of happiness, by engaging in a behavior I was jealous of in others? Perhaps, but I think there's something subtle about the process.

It requires reflection to become aware that you have achieved a goal. Is it the achievement of the goal that brings happiness?

I'm not so sure. Even as I write this, partially motivated by jealousy of others who write, I feel dissatisfied.

Maybe the search for happiness starts from within. Okay, too cliche, I won't go there. Not exactly.

Maybe it's just that the realization of the goal dispels the jealousy, leaving the goal for what it is. If it's something mundane, like buying some fancy new tech, once acquired the tech is just what it is, the jealousy has faded.

Which suggests that jealousy can be a guide, but cannot decide what will make you happy.