COLUMN : envy vs inspiration

is there a worse feeling than envy ? it’s just such an un-flattering state of mind. you want what someone else has – skills, situation, energy, life, friends. so you feel the need to trash them to make you feel better about not having… whatever it is. bring the other person down to your level, instead of trying to rise to their brilliance. because like always, it’s easier to tear down than to build up.

envy is our lazy self’s substitution for inspiration. i guess we’ve all been there.

when that green feeling appears, i try to switch it around. instead of feeling bitter that my skills aren’t as good as someone else’s, i try to practice making mine better. if someone else could reach that level, why shouldn’t i ? or at least, come closer to that level than where i’m at now.
if i start scrutinising their skills, trying to find flaws, i will succeed. and i might feel better for the moment. but will my own skills improve until the next time a mad skilled person shows up ? or will i just turn green again ? and start trashing ?

how about i instead get impressed, inspired, and try to learn. then maybe next time there’s no reason for that envy to show up.

the only reason to be envious instead of inspired as i see it, is because we have given up on ever reaching that other person’s level. we don’t believe we can have what they have. so we get un-generous. envy is bitterness, powerlessness, a sense of giving up. inspiration is hope, a belief in yourself, and the courage to dream.

one makes you passive, the other pushes you into gear.
the feeling comes from the same source, just interpreted into very different reactions.

so the next time i get the urge to bitterly criticise someone, maybe ask myself – why do i feel the need to bring them down ?
maybe pick myself up instead ? take a chance, believe in greatness, make an effort.

it’s ok to get impressed. it’s ok to admit inferiority.
the question is – what to do with it. complain ? or get a move on ?

love // jenny