Jealousy and Envy

If there are two words in the English dictionary that have effectively found their way into my life experience, those would probably be “jealousy” and “envy.” It’s those feelings of being hurt or bitter at the success or accomplishment of others. Not that I harbor those feelings in me; those words are very real to me – because I have often been their target.

Back in my primary school, I was the envy of my other classmates because of my active participation in school activities, particularly in group dance performances. I had experienced being bullied for answers during exams. At one time, envious classmates success; they agonize over every achievement of others.

I myself have a different reaction when others do better or have more than me. I get challenged, and so I try harder. In the process, I get a little bit better, a little bit more. And that’s when I get all the more convinced that I have the power to earn whatever I want to have. There’s no need to grab it from others.

Back in the day, it was difficult for my young mind to comprehend the jealous behavior of my classmates. I sought the wisdom of Papa Inting for an explanation. Papa simply shrugged and told me that it was part of life and that envy is in the grain of human nature.

My father advised me to take it as a challenge. And so I tried to understand all the jealous and envious people that I come across and have the patience to bear with being their target.

To be honest, it is a continuing struggle dealing with the jealousy and envy hurled at me. My father’s words are my anchor, which I hold on to in order not to be crushed by anger or hurt.

The jealous and the envious are deeply restless. They find no rest because they have a deep hunger that nothing could satisfy – no amount of riches or accomplishment could fill them up. They suffer from eternal discontent.

Perhaps the only cure for such malady is a change of perspective, a change of heart. These people need to come to their senses and realize that it’s okay if they can’t have it all. And they shall be content with what they have.