Silver and Gold, Red and Green with Envy

I always wondered how the Christmas colors came to be – I am sure there is a History Channel or some obscure cable network airing that information right now. I used to think the green color symbolized the mighty evergreen- but I now know it is envy.

It’s hard not to get envious of others at this time of the year. Who’s going to a better destination? Whose family is less irritating? How many people did not send me gifts this year? The list is endless but my point about envy is that this season often sets people up to look at the way others are eating and envy them their metabolism, their lack of caring what they look like, their ability to be strict no matter what challenge arises. And then, using that as an excuse, may lead you down a road you would rather travel down less.

I can often get cranky at this time of the year because I am envious of naturally skinny people- how they can eat anything they want and not gain an ounce. However, I tell those people when they are in my office that it doesn’t matter if you can eat the kitchen sink- it is about being healthy and eating what our bodies are meant to eat. So even when those freaks of nature come into the office, I will put them on a “diet”. One not to lose weight but one which will make them healthier. And I don’t do it just because I can.

It tells the tale of a wealthy woman living in the glory days of New York City before the Great Depression (not the one we are living through now- this one’s not so great). She is given charge of her nephew to raise him, and hasn’t a clue how to do it. She quickly begins to learn. Hilarity ensues, she loses her money during the depression yet she always took care of her staff, her friends and of course her nephew, Patrick. Mame does it with dignity and through her own unique indelible style.

So do you want to know what fills my heart with envy? The super human powers of the Salvatore brothers The Vampire Diaries; the extreme wealth of Adrienne Maloof from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (It was a toss up between her and Lisa but chose Adrienne because she seems to at least work for a living); the wardrobe and style of Don Draper from Mad Men; and the love and the crazy family antics of the Walkers from Brothers and Sisters.

But really, when it all comes down to it, I am not envious of these people at all. I am grateful for what I have and how I managed to make a difference in the lives of others. Don’t be envious of others’ things or of their health. We are all dealt one hand in life- let’s make it the best one it can be! That’s not to say there won’t be ups and downs and hiccoughs along the way. I always tell my patients to keep their eye on the prize and if it’s truly what you want, then you know the actions you need to take to get there. Period! No deviations allowed.

Use envy as a motivating factor rather than an emotion to bring you down. I have done the Forum, studied the Kaballah, taken Lifespring. You name the self help course and I have been there, done that. I don’t even remember the point I wanted to make but: use negativity for good, not evil. Make changes in your life if you want to and be gentle with yourself. Live like the Carringtons even if you can only afford to live like Roseanne.

It angers me to know that this is the last deadliest sin that I get to write about (wrath). I’ve enjoyed and felt proud of my ability to use over the top (at times) examples to illustrate my points about eating and staying healthy (pride). I am leaving for vacation tomorrow, just got back from the gym and really just want to take a nap (sloth). Since this is the last blog post of the year and the holidays are upon us, I am longing for all the delicious food in store for me (lust). I am going to make sure to eat enough of it to make up for the rest of the year when I am so strict (gluttony). And obviously can’t wait to unwrap all of the gifts under the tree (greed). And lastly, know, when you read this, I will be soaking up the vitamin D goodness of a tropical destination- doesn’t that make you just a little bit envious?

Until next time…