Astro Iris Sometimes, I just get hit with these topics that I absolutely have to dive into.
Those of you who know me know I’m all about physical activity—mostly hitting the gym, but I’m not one to shy away from other ways to move my body. I’ll give anything a try at least once, so I can form my own lived-and-breathed opinion. For me, if it’s gotta be done, I’m doing it with gusto!
Over time, I’ve realized that some of my best questions—those deep, soul-stirring ones—pop up during my workouts. This morning (like, crack-of-dawn early), while I was on the treadmill (brisk walking, mind you—let’s not get too wild), my mind wandered to moments in life where I’ve been admired, envied, and where I’ve done the admiring and envying. People, situations, places—you name it.
Suddenly, I snapped awake, like the universe flicked on a light bulb in my brain. I started connecting these moments to other experiences I’ve had, and it hit me like a cosmic epiphany: the difference between admiration and envy.
Every single time I’ve admired someone or something, the result has been pure magic: motivation, inspiration, strength, direction, even a sprinkle of bliss and the courage to be and do. The list could go on—those are the fruits of genuine admiration.
But when I’ve envied? Oh boy. The result was a cocktail of disgust, bitterness, frustration, anger, zero motivation, and a general grudge against life itself. Maybe a few other not-so-fun vibes too. That’s the raw, unfiltered output of authentic envy 😂.
On the flip side, every time I’ve been admired, I’ve felt validated, lifted up, exactly in the way that admiration came to me. And when I’ve been envied? It’s made me feel powerful, in the exact shape that envy was thrown my way.
Notice the “every single time” pattern here?
Because every single time, these feelings—admiration or envy—produced an immediate result, whether I noticed it right away or not. It’s only now, with this treadmill-fueled clarity, that I truly get it. 😊
Admiration creates goodness for everyone involved. When we’re in a state of admiration—whether it’s for ourselves, others, situations, places, nature or anything else—we’re subtly (or not so subtly) recognizing and giving thanks 🙏 for the divine in all its forms. It’s like a cosmic high-five to the universe.
Envy, though? It’s a powerful catalyst—for the person, situation or place being envied. It supercharges them, like they’ve just been handed a cosmic energy drink. But for the one doing the envying? It’s just a massive energy drain. Without even realizing it, they’re handing over their own manifesting mojo.
Admiration fuels motivation, inspiration, creativity, courage, kindness, joy, goodwill, strength, and pure, vibrant energy. It’s like soul food for your body, mind and spirit—a manifestation just waiting to burst into reality. When you admire authentically, you empower yourself and set off a ripple effect of creation you can’t even imagine.
This message is my heartfelt thank-you to myself and to life for giving me—and continuing to give me—the courage and power to admire. Alongside all the other blessings life has in store for me. 🙏
With this message, I’m encouraging you all to admire, to compliment others and yourselves.
The choice is ours. We can turn admiration into a constant state of being.
Admiration: the new lifestyle!
