If I was to ask you: “What would you steal? “Chances are you would likely answer “Nothing, not me!” I am no thief.”

This question may prompt one to think about Robert Nixon or robbing a bank or shoplifting. Eating a grape from the super market or not being honest when you get the incorrect change back in your favor.

But stealing can be more than that.  We steal from others unconsciously all of the time.  It may be not material goods but we are all guilty of it.

The green eyed monster can strike in many forms.  We can experience jealousy or envy of another’s success. This is a form of energetic stealing.  By not being supportive we are taking away from their success which steals from our own sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Last year at the start of 2014 my three boys and I jumped in frozen Lake Ontario as part of the Polar Bear Challenge. It was a baptism of sorts. As a family we had a terrible 2013, my husband and I had almost lost one of our children.  It was not a good year and I vowed to change everything.  What better way than by doing something so crazy and silly and brave. As well as bonding with my boys at the same time with Daddy filming and looking on.  We were so happy and proud of ourselves.

We had great big smiles on our faces and wanted to share the experience with one of our close family members.  “Hey listen and look at what we did!” as we showed them the video.  They looked at us with a blank face, combined with an eye roll and responded: “Try doing it if you are not prepared to. That would be really something.”

Wow!  We were crushed. Our joy and excitement had just been robbed from us.  Stolen right out of the air we were breathing, it felt awful.

Consider your response the next time someone shares good news with you.  Can you genuinely be excited and happy for them, or do you feel the need to “one up” or diminish them?

The more you celebrate the success of others, the more success will flow your way. This I can attest to.