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Post by ~graced~ on Aug 26, 2005 7:00:05 GMT -5
Oh, how I envied what everyone else had in their lives and oh how bitter I was that I wasn't simply 'given' what I thought I was due! LOL And OH, how I didn't have a clue about what was important and what was 'needed' in my life. Been there done that in believing once I got something (better job, better house, better relationship with some fella) life would then be GOOD.
I got to lose a whole lot of things in order for me to come to a different understanding about what truly brings contentedness into my life. Happiness is a choice for me--I certainly got to have a whole lotta 'stuff' and still managed to be miserable. I had a tough time buying the smiles around the tables of A.A. -- they had to be lying to me and to themselves!
I'm partial to that 11th step and that line of "Grant that I may not seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life"
When I'm generous in giving those things, freely--there's peace and contentment. And what gets brought TO me as a result of the giving far surpasses what my little mind could comprehend actually envying to begin with.
Have a GREAT Friday out there!
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Post by caressa on Aug 26, 2005 7:25:35 GMT -5
As they say green with envy, always wanting what is on the other side of the fence, becaise the grass is greener. Seemed that way to me, seemed like everyone else had that something more, since I found the fellowship and the awareness of Step Eleven, I have found the greener grass in my own back yard.
Greed is wanting things to be other than what they are. When I go around in that state of discontent, serenity and peace eludes me. When I accept what is, then I can take steps to change my attitude and outlook on life. I was just talking with a friend about this last night. I have fear of running out of food, of not getting food that I like and I keep giving myself the old tape, "I can't afford it!" I also have to give myself permission to eat and enjoy the food. I either tend to hoard the food or over eat or put food on my plate and not be able to finish it; if I did it would choke me.
Without living in the moment and beling honest with myself, I would never be able to see these defects within myself.
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Post by lildee on Aug 26, 2005 8:28:36 GMT -5
envy/generosity
My grandpa taught me a long time ago that generosity comes from the heart not from the wallet. Sure charitable donations are fine but when you give of yourself that is to me is true generosity. Helping the little old lady next door move some stuff around, making sure she is OK daily. Sponsoring another person and giving of yourself to help them. These are all things from within, you can't buy them or purchase them. They come from deep with in you.
Envy ... now I don't want to sound egotistical but it is just not part of who I am. Fast fancy cars don't interest me (especially since I don't drive). Fur coats don't amaze me, dripping in jewels doesn't dazzle me. I am glad for those that have these things. We each find our own happiness in different ways. For me accepting what reality really is and being grateful for those simple things in life has always served me well.
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Post by Lin on Aug 26, 2005 17:38:24 GMT -5
Generosity can be from our time, talents as well as treasures. I do try to share all three with those around me.
And Graced...I also love that 11th step prayer...in my church we also call it the "prayer of St. francis". He was my confirmation saint so I am very partial to that one.
envy? I dont think I ahve envy today. I have whatever i need and i am happy for thouse around me who have more. I dont wish I was them. Once in a while I wish i could afford to retire and have more free time, but I'm nsot sure that is actually "envy" as much as it is 35 years at the same job....and being willing to step aside to allow the youngsters to keep their jobs when the cutbacks come.
GOOD CHIP!
LIN
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Post by gingerlee on Aug 27, 2005 8:19:15 GMT -5
I am going to try to post and see what happens. I wanted to share the difference I was told in program of jealousy and envy. Envy is to want what someone else
has like material things. Jealous
is to want the person's blue eyes or sparkling personality or curly
hair. I think jealous is more of
a personal feeling and envy is more impersonal. Content is more of an opposite to envy then being
generous is. Just my own 2 cents
worth here. Hope this goes thru.
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Post by Lin on Aug 27, 2005 12:08:30 GMT -5
yes Gingerlee..it did go through. Really wanted to pop back in and say WELCOME! Glad to se you hwere! Post all you like!
I'd never heard the two words defined quite like that. It's a good way to look at it.
{{{hugs}}}
LIN
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Post by caressa on Aug 27, 2005 13:34:48 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing, hope you will share more and let us get to know you better.
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. I will be back looking for Lin and others.