One of the things my kids hear me say from time to time is fair is not always equal. What I mean by that is, just because someone got something, doesn't mean that you're entitled to the same thing as they did. I think too often that we feel that because someone received something that we should too. Or maybe we even feel like we deserve more than what they have. Unfortunately, that fairness feeling breeds bitterness, entitlement, jealousy, resentment, anger, frustration and can even lead to spending problems or marital issues.
I've seen that 'fairness' feeling tear families and friendships apart. Most of the time it's over a material possession or money. Things insignificant compared to the relationships they destroy. Things that are not going to make you nearly as happy as the people in your life.
The simple fact of the matter is life isn't fair. It's not fair that one of my kids has to wear braces and the other ones don't. It's not fair that some people get sick and others don't. It's not fair that some people get two loving parents and some get zero. It's not fair some are born in to poverty and some into riches. While I would say we all have our hardships, they're certainly not all equal. We are all different people and all have different needs.
So the sooner we realize and understand that fair is not always equal, the easier life becomes, jealousy and bitterness goes away. The more we can focus on the things we have, instead of the things we don't have. Hopefully, that allows us to live with with more joy, we become easier to be around and more positive things start happening in our lives.
Enjoy the day!
Keith