Think-Talk

“Envy blinds men and makes it impossible for them to think clearly”

Malcolm X

Jealousy in (romance) any relationship is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening.

Maya Angelou

Envy and Jealousy have long been known as two of the deadliest emotions and sins. They are both affective states of the mind (or consciousness). That is, you are well aware of how you feel about the person and, unfortunately try as you might, you’re unable hide or regulate it or even help yourself.

Envy and Jealousy are not the same. While Envy is “a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.,” Jealousy is “resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another’s success or advantage itself.” (Dictionary.com)

Those two emotions will eat you up if you allow it in your heart. They are negative emotions that does no one any good.

With all the above, why live with them. Strange bedfellows they are and shouldn’t be rooming with you or anyone. They need to go. So send them packing to another world now.

While envy and jealousy are natural human emotions, it is possible for individuals to manage and even overcome the negative feelings.

If you suffer from Envy and/or Jealousy, below are some strategies to help rid you of them:

1. The first step is to acknowledge to yourself that you are envious and jealous. Then try to find out the why.
   2. Practice Gratitude:
      Cultivating a sense of gratitude for what one has can help shift focus away from what others possess. Regularly reflecting on the positives in one’s life can reduce feelings of envy.
2. Develop Self-Confidence:
   Building confidence in oneself and one’s abilities can decrease the need for validation from external sources. Engage in activities that promote self-esteem and self-worth.
3. Focus on Personal Growth:
   Redirect energy toward personal development and self-improvement goals. Setting and achieving meaningful objectives can provide a sense of fulfillment that diminishes envy.
4. Limit Social Comparison:
   Avoid excessive comparison with others, especially on social media platforms where people often present curated versions of their lives. Recognize that everyone’s journey is unique.
5. Practice Empathy:
   Cultivate empathy by putting oneself in the shoes of others. Understanding that everyone faces challenges and struggles can reduce feelings of jealousy.
6. Communicate Openly:
   If envy arises in relationships, communicate openly with the other person about feelings and concerns. Healthy dialogue can foster understanding and strengthen connections.
7. Seek Support:
   Share feelings of envy with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. Talking about emotions can provide perspective and support in managing them.
8. Challenge Negative Thoughts:
   When envy arises, challenge negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light. Focus on personal strengths and accomplishments instead of fixating on perceived shortcomings.
9. Practice Mindfulness:
   Engage in mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to stay present and reduce rumination on envy-inducing thoughts.
10. Celebrate Others’ Successes:
    Instead of feeling threatened by others’ achievements, celebrate their successes genuinely. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance can foster a more positive outlook.

While it may take time and effort, individuals can learn to manage envy and jealousy by adopting these strategies and fostering a mindset of gratitude, self-awareness, and empathy.