Slow Week, Reflection on Envy

This week has been dragging, and with a forced vacation from work, I’ve been struggling to figure out where to channel all my energy. Have you ever felt like there’s too much time on your hands, but no idea what to do with it? That’s been me all week. So, I’ve been trying to get out there—running, walking, even forcing myself to be more extroverted (which has been... interesting, to say the least 😝).

The Laws of Human Nature

The highlight of my week is probably this book. I've been diving into The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene, and I’ve reached the part where he talks about envy. Growing up, it always felt like my sister was everything I wasn't—prettier, more responsible, more fun. And for years, that feeling of inadequacy lingered like a shadow I couldn’t shake. It’s hard to admit it, but envy shaped a lot of my childhood, making me feel like I was always running behind, never enough...

As an adult now, I’m realizing that I don’t want to feel that way anymore. I don’t want to envy anyone else. My only competition should be the past version of myself. I want the old me to look at where I am now and say, “I am proud of you.” Things my parents would never say. And, let’s be real—therapy costs about as much as a small vacation these days, so I’ve been turning to this book as my DIY therapy right now.

Greene suggests things to turn envy into a positive thing:

• Move closer to what you envy – This one really hit home. Instead of standing on the sidelines feeling bitter, I’m trying to learn from those I once envied. It’s tough, but it’s already making me see things differently.

  
  

• Engage in downward comparisons –  Shifting my focus to those who have less has been helpful. It cultivates gratitude and reminds me of the bigger picture, taking the sting out of envy.

  
  

• Practice Mitfreude – I’m learning to genuinely celebrate others’ successes. When I manage this, it lifts a weight off my shoulders and allows me to appreciate their joy without feeling threatened.

  
  

• Transmute envy into emulation – When I feel envy, I try to turn that energy into motivation. Watching others succeed now inspires me to push myself rather than compare.

  
  

• Admire human greatness – Focusing on appreciating others’ greatness is refreshing. It shifts my perspective from jealousy to admiration, motivating me to grow without the burden of envy.

  
  

  

  
  

I’m not perfect, and this is definitely a work in progress, but every day, I’m learning to be a little kinder to myself. And maybe, if you’re dealing with envy too, these small steps can help you start your own journey toward growth. We’re all a work in progress, and that’s okay. 🫂