Getting Past Jealousy and Envy
Expressing genuine support for those high achievers
Most of us reach an age where we consciously realize we’re not as attractive, tall, funny, talented, or financially stable as other people.
Some of us cope with this unfortunate reality by finding fault in others and throwing it in their face to make ourselves feel better….to equalize things, in a sense.
My grandfather — while in the hospital with early-stage dementia — told me “If you feel good and aren’t in pain…you’ve got it all!”
I’ve always enjoyed eating so much that as soon as I could engage in some portion control — in my late thirties — I looked forward to every meal like a kid looks forward to Santa Claus at Christmas.
There’s also something strangely exciting about not getting laid as much as men who are tall, dark, and handsome…because when it does happen, it’s so explosively exciting and appreciated that waiting is all the more worth it.
Essentially, I wake up every morning having dreamt of eating a warm, lean, corned beef sandwich on rye bread with golden brown mustard and an ice cold Dr Brown’s diet cream soda, while having sex with a moderately attractive woman, and just enough money in the bank to know I can afford to do the whole thing again tomorrow.
That’s it.
That’s all I need.
Reasonably good health….no excruciating pain…a few bites of decadent, rich, salty, food…some moderately enjoyable sex…a roof over my head…and some ice-cold, Junmai Sake.
So, how do I get past jealousy and envy of others who have more than me?
I don't.
I indulge my inner mean girl for about 15 minutes and curse the gods for not making me taller, cuter, richer, and smarter…..and then I shut that thought processing down….and buy myself a sub from Jersey Mike’s….or go see a cheesy movie while eating popcorn drenched in artificial butter…or flirt with the waitress at Waffle House….or go to bed early…
I don’t dwell….life’s too short.
