You're not alone.
Here's what I believe envy to be, even though it differs slightly from the definition found in the dictionary.
Envy is a veiled form of admiration.
It's when someone realizes you possess something -- whether it be a physical object or intangible attribute -- that they perceive as lacking in their own life.
Maybe they wish they had a position as high up the corporate ladder as yours, a partner as attractive as your spouse, or a temperament to match your calm and collected demeanor.
Sadly, these people don't realize we all face unenviable battles of some kind -- from personal illnesses to financial hardship -- about which we may remain tight-lipped.
Why would you envy someone else anyway?
Just because they have a lot of money, for example, doesn't mean they're truly happy beneath the surface.
If they have to work 60 hour weeks to have that kind of money, which would call for time away from friends and family, would you still want to be in their shoes?
You can admire and look up to someone without necessarily wanting or striving to BE them.
Life is what WE make of it. We are architects of our own happiness, of our own destiny.
Be your own true self and don't worry about what those in your orbit have, think, or do.
There will always be someone who's prettier, smarter, or more effervescent than you. But there can only be one you, and therein lies your power.
We all have disparate goals we want to accomplish, different passions we want to indulge, and separate paths we're meant to go down.
Envying another person is a drain on one's time and energy. Harboring ill will of any kind fuels feelings of bitterness and sadness, which can ultimately induce depression.
Instead, such feelings should be channeled toward achieving goals one has set for themselves.
If you want to own a Mustang, do it because you genuinely long for such a vehicle -- not because Bill, your neighbor, drives around in one.
If someone envies you, well, take it as a compliment. It means you're doing something right, and the person truly admires you -- even though they would never disclose as much.
But the fact is that you don't want to be around people like that anyway.
Instead, aim to surround yourself with humble people who want what's best for you, whether you're richer or poorer, skinnier or fatter, or any combination therein.
Sadly, these people don't realize we all face unenviable battles of some kind -- from personal illnesses to financial hardship -- about which we may remain tight-lipped.
Why would you envy someone else anyway?
Just because they have a lot of money, for example, doesn't mean they're truly happy beneath the surface.
If they have to work 60 hour weeks to have that kind of money, which would call for time away from friends and family, would you still want to be in their shoes?
You can admire and look up to someone without necessarily wanting or striving to BE them.
Life is what WE make of it. We are architects of our own happiness, of our own destiny.
Be your own true self and don't worry about what those in your orbit have, think, or do.
There will always be someone who's prettier, smarter, or more effervescent than you. But there can only be one you, and therein lies your power.
We all have disparate goals we want to accomplish, different passions we want to indulge, and separate paths we're meant to go down.
Envying another person is a drain on one's time and energy. Harboring ill will of any kind fuels feelings of bitterness and sadness, which can ultimately induce depression.
Instead, such feelings should be channeled toward achieving goals one has set for themselves.
If you want to own a Mustang, do it because you genuinely long for such a vehicle -- not because Bill, your neighbor, drives around in one.
If someone envies you, well, take it as a compliment. It means you're doing something right, and the person truly admires you -- even though they would never disclose as much.
But the fact is that you don't want to be around people like that anyway.
Instead, aim to surround yourself with humble people who want what's best for you, whether you're richer or poorer, skinnier or fatter, or any combination therein.
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