Envy is an ugly word, after all that’s why it is listed as one of the seven deadly sins. You may call it jealousy or the green eyed monster. No matter which term you choose, it all boils down to the same thing – you are making yourself less to make others seem like they are more.

Envy is found in so many places. It is everywhere. From children to grandmothers. We have all had our moments when we feel it. It is an emotion that escapes none of us, but it is an emotion we should try to escape.

A long time ago I chose a path of non-jealousy. Not because I’m a better person, but because I’ve noticed I would not want to be like any of the jealous people I know. They seemed miserable and unhappy. It must be an empty place to live where you can never be happy for someone else’s happiness, good fortune or success.

I’ve spent years watching other people’s negative reactions to others success. What do you get from wishing others to fail? Strive on your own success. I’m not an expert on emotions and feelings but it would seem to me all that negativity leads to an unhappy life. I would think when you bring positivity out into the world that is what you get in return.

In today’s world of glamour and “my life is better than yours” posts all over social media – jealousy has almost become a competition. In this new world of it seems that everyone has a reason to think someone else’s life is better than their own. It’s not true. They are just enjoying their blessings and not sitting around being mad at the blessings you have.

So next time you choose not to press that like button when you scroll across your newsfeed, ask yourself why? Is it because someone has a new car or a new house? Someone got a promotion? Maybe you just feel someone is more attractive than you?

If the answer is yes, then maybe you should press that like button. Maybe you should say congrats and just maybe some of that positivity might rub off on you.