The Atlantic had an article titled: “Envy, the Happiness Killer”. It’s a good short read. Being envious, in a negative way, indeed will sap our happiness.
It is commonplace to compare what I have with what others have. Especially in social media, it is front and centre. If I am not careful, the effect can be unpleasant.
On the other hand, sometimes this can spur my competitive spirit to work harder to get what I want - like what the other person has. Seen this way, “a little” envy can be a positive aspiration. Right?
I am not so sure.
I find it a challenge indeed when reading or hearing about people more successful than me. I don’t mind becoming more successful like them. But to what end? There are many super-rich people who are unhappy. I do not want to be like them.
I know money can change people. I cannot say I will never be like so and so. If it happened to them, it can happen to me. Be careful what to wish for.
Do I know what kind of person I will become, if I have more? Is that who I want to be?
Having more is nice. I can do things or acquire things that I cannot afford at present. But will I like that version of me better?
If not, then don’t!
Focus on the person who I am and the person who I want to be.
Enjoy what I have. And be grateful.
“Perhaps it’s true that it’s not happy people who are grateful, it’s grateful people who are happy.”
~ Clare Pooley
Have a great day.