Have you ever compared yourself to your friends or peers? Does it make you feel like you are ‘below’ them? Does it create any negative feelings within you? If your answer to any of the above is yes, then take a moment to think, is it worth making yourself feel bad?
What is envy?
Envy is the feeling that you wish you had what someone else has.
Because of social media, people, especially the younger generation, unconsciously compare themselves to the current ‘standard’ set by the ‘most’ of society. It is a relatively common feeling for most teenagers or the younger generation, so you are not alone if you feel that.
Let me give you an example, STORYTIME:
There is a person called Envy. Envy used to be envious of others, no matter from academics to small things like hair quality. However, Envy realised how being envious of others, had stolen his happiness. He realised he didn’t know much about her strengths. He wasn’t doing something that he truly enjoyed. After realising this, he started his journey of finding his traits. He learned that he loves music and started learning more about it. From playing musical instruments and learning about his hobbies, he realised that music is what makes him shine. He shined as he enjoyed what he was doing, but not because he got others’ approval and recognition.
Moral of the story:
It is important to learn and find your strength, which is different from person to person. It is important to acknowledge that everyone is born differently, but everyone is brilliant in their own way. You will certainly have some qualities that others don’t, so you should learn to find them, let them shine and cherish your special qualities. Be the real you!
In reality, how many people judge you solely based on these ‘standards? NOT MANY. The reality is that even if you fit into all these standards, there will still be people you might not necessarily get on well with. Everyone is unique and brilliant in their own way. You don’t need to fit into the frame or standard set by others to be ‘perfect’. More importantly, no one is perfect, and no one should be perfect. Being imperfect is what makes humans human, we are meant to come together and work together. Everyone is a piece of a puzzle; we need to come together to form a picture. And think, who is perfect by themselves without the help of others, like your parents and friends?
However, a bit of envy might not be bad, as it helps to set a goal for yourself. Hence, it’s important for you to find a balance.
From today, I hope you can all find your strengths and unique and precious qualities. A good way to boost your confidence is to look in a mirror and tell yourself how brilliant you are (which is a 100% fact). This works for me every time.
Go and find the ‘Real You’, and thanks for reading!
Matthew, Young Mental Health Ambassador