The gift of gratitude is in the true joy it brings, and the thief of joy is comparison. The one who holds true, permanent joy in their heart has realized the pointlessness of comparison and competition. No one is you; no one can ever take away your gifts nor your purpose. Even if someone has a similar calling or similar gifts and talents, they will never be able to carry it out with the uniqueness that is you. Thus, envy is ignorance. When you envy someone, it’s not actually about the person you’re envying, even though it very well may seem that way. Envy is defined as a longing for what someone else has. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll realize what an envious person is actually longing for is themself—the version of themself who has reached his or her unique, God-given potential.

“You are rich when you are content and happy with what you have.” —a wise person once said. In a grateful soul, there is no room for envy, and comparison is a waste of time. The only person you should ever compare yourself to is in fact yourself. Are you better than you were yesterday?