How can I be happy for others when they succeed where I have not?

Two weeks ago the boards for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) took place.  The state of Idaho did not allow me to take it, for whatever reason, and I am required to wait until the end of July.  Two students that are working at my clinic both took it.  One had failed his first attempt and the other was taking it for his first time.  This last week they found out their scores and yes, both of them passed.

This was great news initially!  I am always glad to hear when people pass this demon raised exam, and I hope no one has to go through multiple failed attempts like I have.  However, the day that they passed I also found out my buddy, who is in the same boat as myself, had not passed.  He had worked so hard and is studying with tutors and has put in the time and effort and he is a brilliant man.  It also became very fatiguing listening to the student who passed, talk about how great it was, what a relief it was, and now all the things he could do now that he had passed.  I was frustrated and annoyed with the situation, as well as down on myself for not being able to pass this thing yet.  Why does it seem like everyone else in the world is passing this thing and my buddy and I am still struggling, despite our best efforts and although we know the information very well?  

My initial happiness for him began to fade and I began to feel bitter and depressed.  Then on Thursday a letter from the NPTE came in reply to a letter I had sent requesting a 2 point increase due to poor questions related to my testing anxiety (two points or 1/2 question is all I needed to pass the last test).  They refused to add points and give me a passing score, but it was just one more thing to add to the frustration of this exam and my bitterness towards those who are having success.
I was looking for some amazing solution to getting rid of my bitter feelings, but then I realized it's not as complicated as I make it out to be.  As I was doing my morning reading, meditating, prayer and affirmation statement I realized most of those unwanted feelings drifted away.
The solution to being happy for others was to calm my mind and realize that my brain was lying and trying to deceive myself...MINDFULNESS!!!  I find that I do this to myself a lot, where I allow my brain to exaggerate and lie to myself.  Using the technique of mindfulness means being in a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. 
I am used to telling myself lies.  Lies about what I can't do, lies about who I am, and lies about how awful my life is and everyone else has it better.  When I meditate I try and practice mindfulness, which is why those nasty thoughts and feelings dissipated like dew on a summer morning.  I became aware of what I really had, who I really am, and stopped judging myself for things out of my control.

I keep finding the benefit of the BASICS!  Read and educate myself, meditate for mindfulness, Pray and Scripture study for spiritual growth and retrain my subconscious with repeated positive affirmation statements that I have created!

Success Will Be Mine