#MMBA 4
Just last week, Chinonso brought a brand new car home and you failed woefully at hiding your joy. While he was busy smiling and wiping his forehead with the back of his palm, you kept dancing and urging your neighbours to come outside. You could not stop thanking God for Chinonso’s latest achievement. He has been your friend since childhood days, his success is of utmost importance to you.
Today, you heard he has been arrested at his place of work and the words that flew out of your mouth were “I knew it! He was up to something fishy.” You effortlessly tried not to laugh when you saw the news on social media but you could not. When people stumble, do we have to believe it is because they did something wrong? According to you, he was too successful compared to you, aren’t you age mates or friends anymore? Who told you you have to compete with him? You might be very afraid to admit it, you are envious.
Janet has always had it smooth in life. Whatever everyone struggles before getting, she gets it easily. While everyone toiled day and night before getting a stable source of income, her case was different. She got employed without any stress. You were in awe when she showed you the apartment her place of work rented for her; it was such a lovely place to be. You screamed excitedly when she announced she would be walking down the aisle soon. It was a great news but deep within you, you felt like strangling her that minute. Envy ruled your mind.
The earlier we all realise it is trivial to be envious, the better. Envy has nothing fruitful to offer to people. Slowly, it takes over the mind, eating deep into it and subtly promises to destroy the bearer of the mind. Envy would make you want what someone else has. Rather than work towards achieving your goals and becoming bigger, you are so obsessed watching what others have. You are engrossed with what happens in other people’s lives. Day and night, you wish you were in their shoes. You watch them grow while you suffer from stunted growth.
Whatever it is people or your peers have, nothing stops you from having it or something even better. No one stops the race when they have not gotten to the finishing line. It is not yet time for relaxation. It is the time to work. Do everything you can without leaving any stone unturned and when it is your time, no one can stop you from shining. It is very normal to feel like possessing what others have but the line has to be drawn when envy or jealousy creeps in. You do not necessarily have to compare yourself with others. You are different individuals and to each is his own race. Nothing beneficial stems from being envious. It would only fill your heart with bitterness and help you metamorphose into a being you cannot recognise.
Class Learnings Reflection (11)