Envy means "a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck." (noun) ALSO "desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to (someone else)." (verb) It's one thing to "know" what envy is, and another to reflect about envy as you read it's definition and wonder if you have an ounce of envy in you. :) We are all encouraged (and rightly so) never to compare because you never know what that person or family went through to get to where they are today. Yet, all too often, even subconsciously, you find yourself comparing. I say, if you are going to compare--which won't do you any good--don't envy! Be careful that you don't get caught up in the state of being envious of family, friends, co-workers, etc.
To envy is self-destructive and takes away your joy and gratitude for who you are, where you are, what you have and how far God has brought you--even if you are not where you want to be. No journey is the same even when you have the same destination. You will go through what you need to go through to get to where you need to be. There is no point in envying another's journey (or destination) and wishing (desiring) you were there to the point that it cripples you from even making progress... taking the next or necessary steps in your journey.
Even the Bible reminds us not to envy... especially those people who are not walking right with the Lord but are "seemingly" very successful--it doesn't do you any good. "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked...Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end." (Psalm 73:2-3, 17) Also, "A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) God is watching over everything... you do your part and don't envy!
Don't be stomped by what others have or are doing. Envy will draw you backwards, further away from making real progress in your journey. Take it one day at a time. Instead of envy, focus on being grateful and always celebrate what others have and pray for what you need. Do the work required to get to where you are going--your destination, or next big goal/dream. Leave envy behind--serve envy it's notice! Take celebration and gratitude with you always! You are better than envy :)
