The Seven Stages of Envy
Name: Envy.
Age: Evergreen, unceasing.
Appearance: Eyes that linger too long on another’s fortune.
Occurrence: When success feels like a scarcity.
Effect: A flat beer, a clenched jaw.
Reason: The illusion that there’s not enough to go around.
Cause: A yearning for what others possess.
Does it matter? Like a silent, creeping vine.
Treatment: Gratitude, a shift in perspective (and perhaps a bit of wine).
Name: Insecurity.
Age: Eternally reborn.
Appearance: A frown in the mirror, a second guess.
Occurrence: When the mind needs a rest.
Effect: Self-doubt, a rock in the belly.
Reason: Fear of judgment, fear of inadequacy.
Cause: The whispers of past failures.
Does it matter? Like an anchor in the sea.
Treatment: Acceptance, a kind word to oneself.
Name: Comparison.
Age: As old as society.
Appearance: Measuring sticks, invisible lines.
Occurrence: In social gatherings, in the scroll of a feed.
Effect: Tunnel vision, a restless heart.
Reason: The urge to fit in, to measure up.
Cause: Societal pressures, the race to the top.
Does it matter? Like a never-ending run.
Treatment: Mindfulness, celebrating your own path.
Name: Self-Acceptance.
Age: Old and wise.
Appearance: A serene smile, a confident stance.
Occurrence: When the noise quiets, in the stillness of the night.
Effect: Inner peace, a lightness of being.
Reason: The quest for true contentment.
Cause: Embracing flaws, celebrating strengths.
Does it matter? Like finding home within yourself.
Treatment: Remembering that it’s all a big game
Name: Personal Growth.
Age: In every small, truthful word.
Appearance: A tree reaching towards the sun.
Occurrence: In every challenge, in every triumph.
Effect: Strength, resilience, wisdom.
Reason: The innate desire to evolve, to improve.
Cause: Life’s lessons, the passage of time.
Does it matter? Like the pages of a book.
Treatment: Continuous learning, a passion for something (even if it’s just collecting funny socks).
Name: Wisdom.
Age: As venerable as a mountain.
Appearance: A knowing smile, eyes that have seen much.
Occurrence: Through the trials, in moments of reflection.
Effect: Clarity, depth of understanding.
Reason: The culmination of experiences, the gift of time.
Cause: Life lived fully, lessons learned.
Does it matter? Like the guiding light in darkness.
Treatment: Sharing stories, embracing each chapter.
Name: Peace.
Age: As ancient as the stars.
Appearance: A mysterious lake, a quiet mind.
Occurrence: In the stillness, in the eye of the storm.
Effect: Serenity, a gentle sigh.
Reason: The pursuit of balance, of inner calm.
Cause: Letting go, acceptance.
Does it matter? Like the first breath of spring.
Treatment: Making peace with death itself and enjoying the ride.
There is no way this is a 2-minute read. Two minutes per line maybe. Lots of reflection required and willingly given. I see a book of poetry in your future. :-)
Perfect! I’m saving these.