Count your blessings

Often, people feel envious of others' success, wealth and joy, including friends and family. When envy makes a home in an individual's heart, it eats up happiness.

There are umpteen young students pursuing their academic careers while earning a living. If they started envying those whose parents can afford to send their children abroad, they would not be able to achieve either their goals or the joy of being self-made successful person. A poorly paid employee, envious of a better-paid schoolmate, could become ineffective. If a differently abled person envies the able-bodied, it would only make them give in to despair and hinder them from reaching their full potential.

Harold Coffin says, 'Envy is the art of counting another's blessings instead of your own.' Why should we not count our blessings, then? Students who must work while earning must be happy to have the opportunity. So also the poorly paid employee, who by dint of their diligence, can try to rise in the hierarchy. The differently abled must recognise their other gifts and build on them.


Everyone is unique and has the potential to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Finally, doing our best but being contented works wonders. This realisation will root out envy and bring peace and enthusiasm to the heart.