leaving a note that this post really resonated with me. one thing that has helped me when i'm envious (usually of a successful author) is -- i'm envious of their identity, but am i envious of what it took to get there? i also *intentionally* go around with a bit of the blinders on, to allow myself to focus within instead of constantly looking around at what everyone else is up to.
this resonated so much! envy is such a common feeling and i don’t think we should feel ashamed to experience it every now and then. i love how you mentioned that any small action is the catalyst for change or improvement and that rings so true to me. i think any small action vs not doing anything will always lead to something positive and rewarding in the long run ❤️
I think it feeds into taking full responsibility over your life. ideally, live with a combination of deep commitment to a field you care about and recognizing when you are making aimless comparisons (artists comparing themselves to an engineer, status based envy) or “aimfull” comparisons (comparing with other artists). Then with this awareness in mind, you can redirect your envy into admiration and directed work.
Essentially, I dont think we should treat envy in a vacuum. We should tend to it relative to our life pursuits and recognize when it’s meaningful or not
Envy isn’t something I’ve felt regularly — or at least, that’s what I thought. But after reading this, I wonder if I have felt it and just transformed it into something else: by thinking less of myself and more of others. I was never sad about anyone’s accomplishments, but I often believed that things didn’t happen for me because I didn’t deserve them or simply wasn’t ready.
Envy is a topic I think about a lot, but it doesn’t always resonate with me. uhhh, it’s complex!
“If I complain that I am lonely, it is because I haven’t made enough effort to go out and meet new people. If I am always panting on my runs, it is because I have only run four times this month and that is not enough to make progress. I like to eat out a lot, but it is not sustainable for my finances. Well, then it’s my responsibility to figure out a way to make more money to sustain my desired lifestyle.”
Obsessed with this part (and with the fact that you love Olivia Rodrigo) ♡
leaving a note that this post really resonated with me. one thing that has helped me when i'm envious (usually of a successful author) is -- i'm envious of their identity, but am i envious of what it took to get there? i also *intentionally* go around with a bit of the blinders on, to allow myself to focus within instead of constantly looking around at what everyone else is up to.
Yeap, thats a neat way to put it!
Envy is wanting something that someone else has that you don't. Jealousy is fearing that someone is going to take what you have.
this resonated so much! envy is such a common feeling and i don’t think we should feel ashamed to experience it every now and then. i love how you mentioned that any small action is the catalyst for change or improvement and that rings so true to me. i think any small action vs not doing anything will always lead to something positive and rewarding in the long run ❤️
totally - its a small thing but it helps us not get overwhelmed
I think it feeds into taking full responsibility over your life. ideally, live with a combination of deep commitment to a field you care about and recognizing when you are making aimless comparisons (artists comparing themselves to an engineer, status based envy) or “aimfull” comparisons (comparing with other artists). Then with this awareness in mind, you can redirect your envy into admiration and directed work.
Essentially, I dont think we should treat envy in a vacuum. We should tend to it relative to our life pursuits and recognize when it’s meaningful or not
a couple shoutouts and my related thoughts: https://espressodrift.substack.com/p/4-dirty-fuel
thanks for sharing Eddie!
Loved this!
Envy isn’t something I’ve felt regularly — or at least, that’s what I thought. But after reading this, I wonder if I have felt it and just transformed it into something else: by thinking less of myself and more of others. I was never sad about anyone’s accomplishments, but I often believed that things didn’t happen for me because I didn’t deserve them or simply wasn’t ready.
Envy is a topic I think about a lot, but it doesn’t always resonate with me. uhhh, it’s complex!
“If I complain that I am lonely, it is because I haven’t made enough effort to go out and meet new people. If I am always panting on my runs, it is because I have only run four times this month and that is not enough to make progress. I like to eat out a lot, but it is not sustainable for my finances. Well, then it’s my responsibility to figure out a way to make more money to sustain my desired lifestyle.”
Obsessed with this part (and with the fact that you love Olivia Rodrigo) ♡