“Envy comes from people’s ignorance of, or lack of belief in, their own gifts.” – Jean Vanier
We’ve all been there – turning on the television screen or staring at the computer to witness lavish clothes, jewelry, cars, and homes be thrust in our faces while thinking, “I really wish I had that,” or, “I really wish I could be like them.” For some, the thought is a fleeting moment; a statement that fades as quickly as it arrived. For others, it becomes an obsession; a quest to be just like the people they see be celebrated for having more money than they can physically count, or for a specific talent (in some cases recently, a lack of talent). The people who hope to attain the same lifestyle celebrated through various forms of media sacrifice time, energy, and, to a great extent, themselves.
In truth, these feelings are that of envy. It’s the want of something you don’t have so much that you’ll abandon your own happiness to attain whatever this item or lifestyle is. Envy creates a sense of disgust with one’s self. It makes you question why you’re not supposedly good enough to be like the people on the red carpet, or being flaunted on MTV for having a big house and well-off parents. You’ll ignore the talents you have in search of something unattainable. Envy will rot you to the core.
Though it’s not a bad thing to want for nice things, or look to someone and their life as an inspiration to better you, admiration can turn into something destruction in no time. Do your best to avoid being envious of others’ possessions, lifestyles, and/or abilities. With envy comes a feeling of dissatisfaction; a lacking in being appreciative of what you already have, what you’re able to do and the life you’re truly living.
