Have you ever scrolled past another woman’s success and felt that hot sting in your chest?

I used to tell myself it was jealousy.

But the truth? It was grief.

• Grief for the version of me who didn’t know how to take up space.
• Grief for all the times I made myself invisible to keep the peace.
• Grief for the potential I hadn’t touched yet, because my body still thought more wasn’t safe.

It’s Not Jealousy. It’s Grief.

On paper, my life looked fine. Degrees. Good job. Travel. Friendships. But on the inside, I was dying.

Every time I saw another woman rise, something twisted in my gut. Not because I didn’t want her to win. Because some part of me had no idea how to let me win too.

What I’ve learned since is this:

Triggers don’t live in your mindset.
They live in your body.

And your body’s only job is to keep you safe.. even if that means staying small.

Jealousy..
It was never about her success. It was my nervous system replaying an old truth:

“If you’re seen, you’ll be punished. If you shine, you’ll be left.”

I don’t feel that sting anymore because I don’t make myself disappear to be safe. I’ve rewired what success feels like in my body. Not because I forced it. but because I finally stopped pretending I didn’t want more.

Now, when I see another woman rising  I celebrate her. Because I know what it took.
I know what it cost. And I know how good it feels when it’s finally your turn.

The Part of You That Still Wants to Hide

So if something’s still catching in your throat when you see her post that win, ask yourself:

• What part of me is still afraid to be seen?
• What version of me learned it was safer to hide?
• And what would it feel like… to be visible and not punished for it?

Your triggers aren’t flaws.

They’re grief.

And grief is just your body saying: “I know I’m meant for more ”