Not
that long ago I received a text from a friend that baffled me. After identifying many of the the good things
I have in my life, it essentially stated: “I am sorry if I sound sarcastic it is
just sometimes I do let jealousy and I let envy get the best of me.”
I
didn’t know how to respond to the text. My first impulse was to defend myself, to
insist that I have worked very hard to achieve a certain lifestyle. But then I wondered how some of my social media
posts might be perceived by others. My
social media presence does depict me as quite fortunate, because I am. And those thoughts began to make me feel ashamed. Being
envious of others is an emotion which is foreign to me. Truthfully, I never dreamt that someone would
feel envy towards me. I am not a boaster because I never want others comparing
their life to me if it makes them feel sorry about their life. At the same time,
I am cognizant of my blessings, but I don’t believe I flaunt them.
Years
ago, I bought myself a beautiful sports car, an Alfa Romeo, with cash. But I was very self-conscious when I drove
it. I felt the same thing when I traded
it on a Mercedes, even though it was an older and rather sedate model. I am very mindful that not everyone can
afford these luxuries, and I appreciate my good fortune.
 |
| my mom, who taught me to be independent |
My
posts are certainly not meant to upset anyone or to make them feel less
fortunate. The truth is that more often than not I focus on the brighter side of
life, choosing to report the good in my life by not focusing on the negative. It is my intention to inspire and encourage
readers to also reflect on their own blessings.
I do this not to boast about what I have but rather to express
appreciation and gratitude for what I have.
As
far back as I can remember my attitude to life has not been concentrating on
what I don't have but instead celebrating the good fortune that I have in my
life. I do recognize that I am blessed,
and I invite good fortune into my life, but not by being passive, or waiting
for someone to give it to me, but by actively making it happen for me.
I
bought my first condo when I was 27 and my first detached home when I was
33. I’ve traveled to Indonesia,
Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Peru, Venezuela, the Dominican
Republic, Barbados, Mexico, Colombia, Fiji, Scotland, England, Poland, New York,
Hawaii and all over Canada, all in spite of being terrified of flying. I did this by saving and planning. Some of the
traveling was done after I got married and were paid for by a third party for
delivering a presentation internationally, but I did a lot of it on my own and
with my own money.
The
reality is that no one should envy my life. In fact I don’t think anyone should envy
anyone else. In spite of the many good things
in my life, and my achievements, most of my life I have struggled with some
challenges that may not be obvious to the casual observer. I don’t broadcast my
difficulties. That said, I am fortunate
to have special people in my life that make my challenges easier for me to
endure. I am especially
And
it is important for me to continue to count my blessings on social media and
not to be apologetic for my good fortune. I am most thankful for my compassion and
intelligence. If I could offer any advice it is this: always celebrate your
good fortune without apology. Be careful
not to compare what you don’t have with others who have more than you do,
because you may not be aware of their struggles and how hard they have had to work
to achieve what they have. Be happy in
their good fortune, and wish them more good fortune.
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