Washing Away Envy

Summary

Lori Carlson reflects on overcoming envy through poetry and personal insight, recognizing its negative impact on her life and embracing self-sufficiency and spiritual growth.

Abstract

In the article titled "Washing Away Envy," Lori Carlson shares a personal poem that delves into her struggle with envy. The poem reveals her attempts to distance herself from this destructive emotion, acknowledging envy as an inherent part of her that she must confront with truth and wisdom to achieve contentment. Following an essay on asking for help, Carlson experiences an epiphany about the weight of envy in her life, particularly towards her siblings' achievements. She realizes that her experiences with deprivation have shaped her into a self-reliant, open-minded, and spiritual individual. The article concludes with Carlson's decision to release envy and its burdens, influenced by Diana C.'s Weekly Prompt for a "Reflective January." The piece is a testament to Carlson's journey towards self-acceptance and the shedding of envious feelings.

Opinions

Carlson views envy as a personal obstacle that overshadows her contentment and is an unwanted but intrinsic part of herself.
She believes that acknowledging and confronting envy is necessary for personal growth and achieving a cleanse from its negative effects.
The author reflects on how past hardships, including not receiving what she wanted, have contributed positively to her character and values.
Carlson credits the act of writing and engaging with reflective prompts as catalysts for her epiphany and subsequent decision to let go of envy.
She implies that true contentment comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances or the possession of what others have.

Poetry for Friday’s prompt

I see you there — hiding near the precipice overshadowing my desire for contentment You’ve always been there ready to pounce to raise your ugly head and make me doubt I’ve tried not to give you power over me to ignore your very presence — this is not me But it is — you and I are one beast You are the vilest part of me; I cannot abide Only truth and wisdom will wash me clean remove the green stains you leave behind

After re-reading the essay I wrote on Thursday regarding asking for help, I had an epiphany — I still harbor a tonnage of envy. How can I possibly be content if I still envy everything my siblings obtained, yet I was denied? If I had been given everything I wanted, I never would have become the self-sufficient, open-minded, spiritual person I am today. So I am releasing envy and letting all of its burdens upon my life go.

For 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊.’s Weekly Prompt: 11–15.01.21 — Reflective January

Lori Carlson writes Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Creative Non-Fiction and Personal Essays. Most of her topics are centered around Relationships, Spirituality, Life Lessons, Mental Health, Nature, Loss, Death, and the LGBTQ+ community. Check out her personal Medium blog here.