Genuine Happiness in Others’ Success: The Freedom of Celebrating Without Envy

We live in a competitive world, where success is measured in likes, followers, and views it can be challenging to genuinely feel happy for others. Envy, jealousy, and comparison are emotions that creep into our hearts, often without invitation. But what if we could free ourselves from these negativity? What if we could experience pure, unadulterated joy in the success of others? This is the essence of genuine happiness — a state of being that is not only liberating but also deeply fulfilling.

The Weight of Envy

Envy is a heavy emotion. It weighs us down, clouds our judgment, and distorts our perception of others and ourselves. When someone achieves something great, envy whispers, “Why not me?” It creates a sense of lack, as if their success diminishes our own. But the truth is, their success has nothing to do with us. As the ancient philosopher Epictetus once said, “Envy is the enemy of the happy.” When we allow envy to take root, we rob ourselves of the joy that could be ours.

I remember a time when a colleague of mine landed a promotion before me. Instead of feeling happy for him, I felt a pang of jealousy. I compared my own career trajectory to his and found myself lacking. That envy festered, creating a distance between us. It wasn’t until I confronted my feelings that I realized how much energy I was wasting on negativity. I had to ask myself: Why couldn’t I just be happy for him?