Some Thoughts on How to Handle Envy
Don't Go There
As a former English major, I think I'm a pretty good judge of literarary talent. So when I noticed that a good friend had a flair for writing poetry, I clued her in to AC. And she has recently returned the favor by telling me about wikinut.com and poetrypoem.com, two more places where I can publish my stuff.
But while I have done well on-line, her performance is stellar. And yes, I'm tempted to entertain the green-eyed monster a bit. But no I can't go there and let the little demon eat away at my happiness and friendship. Life is too short and friends too precious.
Just last August I suffered a heart attack and have been diagnosed with a 100% blockage in one artery with smaller blockages in the other arteries.. So I don't know how much longer I'm going to be here, and I don't want to work so hard now. Last winter I busted my typing fingers writing a book while experiencing a lot of significant mental and physical pain.
But now I want to slow down a little to enjoy some peaceful and happy days. I need to get along well with my family and friends. I want to walk the one half mile to my mailbox on a cool Fall day. I want to play with my cat. And I want to watch TV; America's Got Talent is fun.
And while I'm not ready to retire to the rest home yet, I do want "to stop and smell the roses." My next big project is to research the internet to locate the literary agents that handle the type of book that I have written.
Experiencing a heart attack has a way of teaching a person what is really imporatant in life and it's not getting ahead of someone else. And nothing would be worth the loss of a friend. You don't find those everyday.
But while I have done well on-line, her performance is stellar. And yes, I'm tempted to entertain the green-eyed monster a bit. But no I can't go there and let the little demon eat away at my happiness and friendship. Life is too short and friends too precious.
Just last August I suffered a heart attack and have been diagnosed with a 100% blockage in one artery with smaller blockages in the other arteries.. So I don't know how much longer I'm going to be here, and I don't want to work so hard now. Last winter I busted my typing fingers writing a book while experiencing a lot of significant mental and physical pain.
But now I want to slow down a little to enjoy some peaceful and happy days. I need to get along well with my family and friends. I want to walk the one half mile to my mailbox on a cool Fall day. I want to play with my cat. And I want to watch TV; America's Got Talent is fun.
And while I'm not ready to retire to the rest home yet, I do want "to stop and smell the roses." My next big project is to research the internet to locate the literary agents that handle the type of book that I have written.
Experiencing a heart attack has a way of teaching a person what is really imporatant in life and it's not getting ahead of someone else. And nothing would be worth the loss of a friend. You don't find those everyday.
Published by Shirley A Mandel
Shirley A. Mandel is an award winning poet and the author of two books.. In addition to being a writer, Shirley Ann is a Vietnam vintage veteran and served her fellow veterans in the VA medical system as... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentNobody can be as frank as you, Shirley! I always look out for you and your comments which, sadly, are getting less by the day. I should have tried harder looking out for you. I do hope you are getting better and I have similar outlook to life. I never punish myself by being envious or greedy. In fact, I am happier when others are happy, successful and get ahead in life. I always have enough in my cup of joy - after all happiness is a state of our mind! - siva
Thanks for sharing the poetry sites, they sound good:)
Envy never does good for that person. So glad you have learned that lesson. Life is so short. We should all learn from your heart attack experience and learn to take time out to smell the roses. Hope you ae doing better.
What a tender way to learn that lesson! I do appreciate the perspective that the gospel brings, which helps me take a step back and keep my jealous feelings in check.
Many things to think about.
Green can be such a thoroughly unbecoming color ...
Shirley, I value your friendship always. You have a pure heart, which I value. We have prayed together, and have had fellowship with the mission to expose the Lord to others. I have my flaws just like anyone. You have helped me get to my oncologist, internal medicine Dr., chiropractor, mental health clinic, and so much more. You have helped me get errands done so many times. You are the stellar here in my heart. I can't envy you because my walk in life is different than yours.
You have helped the "underdog". You have given of yourself in soup kitchens, in the radiology lab you have posted John 3:16 over a door or on a wall.
and have been a volunteer, Your prayers over me while I was in ICU may have been the deciding factor that I lived. We will never know. You are a stellar person. I Love you.
Hi Shirley, You know - I think the devil uses envy often, it must be one of his most favorite flaming arrows. I think the devil fires it off at us every chance he gets. Envy is the counter to contentment. We must be content with our lot in this life and look forward to the afterlife in the Glory of God.
I hope you rest now, take time to enjoy what you have been given and give thanks for it all. You will remain in my prayers (along with so many) who seem to be in a valley of sorts. Remember what Jesus told us, "I Am with you always."
cheers