Envy is a tricky feeling. It is loaded with negative associations. Rarely do we want to admit we are envious of someone –  it would almost feel as if we haven’t achieved as much in our own lives as we would have wanted to.

But I think rather than to shun away from envy, we should allow ourselves to look at the feeling and ask what it wants to tell us. What is missing from my life that envy is present?

Being able to calmly observe our own envy towards someone, we can achieve priceless guidelines for our own future: this is what I want for myself, and this is what I must work towards. Recognizing the source of envy, paired with kindness and empathy towards ourselves, can unlock the door to future happiness.