Reason for happiness

Commentary

It is award day at school. The school year is over, and Marta, as usual, has come first in her class. For a change, her sister Elsa has failed two courses and must take make-up exams during the vacations. Everyone at home is happy for Marta, everyone except Elsa. She has gone up to her room and does not come downstairs to eat the pizzas they bought to celebrate. She just yells, “Sure, since Martha is always the “perfect daughter.” Her mother comes over and speaks to her: “Sweetie, Elsa, come over here. Look, each of us is very valuable; each of my children is worth gold. The way of being that each of us has, our abilities, is valuable, these are like materials that have been given to us with the task to work on them to be happy, and that is how we should view them. Some people were given one set of materials, and others were given a different set. Marta, for example, has an ability for studies; you, do not forget it, have the ability for sports and crafts, and so forth with your siblings, your father, and me. The way others are, the success of your family should be a source of joy for you. There is no place for envy, wanting to be like someone else, wanting to have their qualities, success, or life. When I envy, I compare myself at a disadvantage: why am I not like that? Why do I not have this or that quality? Why do I always have problems, and she has such an easy life? If we think about it, loving a person means I want the best for them. You love your sister. You should be happy about that award. Besides, you see, when I envy, I do not accept a part of myself or my life. I do not accept it because I want to have another person´s life or be like others, and I do not accept or am not grateful for the life I have nor the qualities I possess.