Envy: What to Do About It?

When writer Nancy Kennedy wistfully told her husband about a book contract a colleague had signed, she found herself grumbling about her own situation.

He reminded her that she had already authored three books and hundreds of articles. He pointed out that some people would give anything to be in her position and asked her what else she wanted.

Her reply? "More."

Reflecting on the moment, Kennedy called the feeling ugly: "It gets in God’s face and says, all that you have graciously provided me is not enough."

Jealousy and envy are sad emotions. When we feel diminished by the possessions, successes, looks, opportunities or status of others, our self-esteem suffers. We become blind to the blessings in our lives.

A closer look

Envy is not merely a grieving on account of another’s good ... but grieving because one regards that good as diminishing one’s own.

Henry Fairlie

Source: `Christopher News Notes’ No.422, 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA

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