Life Without Envy; The Fruit of Gratitude, Peace, and Trust

 

Life Without Envy; The Fruit of Gratitude, Peace, and Trust

Author: Gouya Roshan  

In a world that is daily filled with news of suffering, violence, illness, and injustice, one would expect human beings to grow closer to understanding, empathy, and gratitude. Yet reality is often quite different: envy, comparison, and a sense of lack are increasing—even amid abundance. Still, the absence of envy is not necessarily a separate moral trait or an idealistic claim; rather, it is the natural outcome of a particular way of living and viewing life.

The absence of envy in me is not the result of denying shortcomings or ignoring life’s realities. Instead, it is rooted in the belief that the most fundamental blessings have already been granted to me: a roof over my head, the health of myself and my loved ones, and a life free from exhausting worries. These are the foundations of life, not its margins. When a person sees and understands these foundations, feelings of emptiness and lack find no space to take hold.

From this perspective, the success of others is neither a threat nor a cause for comparison. My joy in others’ achievements arises from the belief that the God who granted that blessing to another deemed it necessary and appropriate—just as He has seen me and given me what I needed. In this understanding, the distribution of blessings is neither random nor competitive, but a manifestation of a broader wisdom.

Gratitude on this path is not limited to saying or writing words of thanks. True gratitude is an inner state, an آرامness that arises from recognizing the value of life’s blessings. When the mind is emptied of comparison and the heart settles into peace, blessings—both visible and hidden, reveal themselves continuously, and gratitude for them has no end.

My prayers, too, emerge from this open heart. When I pray for myself and my loved ones, it simultaneously encompasses all believers. This expansiveness of prayer frees the heart from constriction and extinguishes the roots of envy at their source, because the happiness of others is no longer perceived as a threat to my share.

Alongside this outlook, belief in independence and self-respect holds a fundamental place. Human beings already carry a heavy burden, and constant dependence—even in simple matters—can gradually erode their dignity. For this reason, a prayer that has always accompanied me is this:
“God, do not make this hand dependent on the other.”
This prayer is neither an invitation to isolation nor a denial of others’ help, but a plea for preserving independence and human dignity. A person who maintains their self-respect neither finds life unbearably heavy nor allows envy and despair to take residence in their heart.

Life without envy is simple, yet profound; simple because it is free of comparison and greed, and meaningful because it is built upon gratitude, trust, and peace. Ultimately, this comforting truth remains: the same God who sees others and grants them abundant blessings also sees you and me. Therefore, there is no reason for envy. We must make the fullest use of what He has given us.