Your Monday Hug for Sep 29, 2025: Ousting Envy
Envy makes us compare ourselves to others and forget the blessings God has given us. But with prayer, gratitude, and a few mindful steps, you can untangle envy and find more peace and joy in your day. In this devotional, you’ll discover 10 practical ways to let go of envy and embrace gratitude.
Happy Monday, my Friend!
This week, we’re talking about a tricky little feeling we all face sometimes: envy.
It can sneak in quietly, making us compare our lives to others and forget the blessings God has already given us. But thankfully, there’s hope! With a few simple steps, you can untangle envy from your heart and make more room for gratitude, peace, and joy.
Last week, I was reminded of something my friend and Catholic coach, Monica Bosco, shared on our local Catholic radio station: our minds are a battlefield. She encouraged us to notice our thoughts and ask, What am I feeling? Do I want to feel this? Emotions, she said, are like magnets - they attract more of the same and can even reshape our brains. That really stuck with me.
It reminded me how quickly envy can sneak in, even when I’m genuinely happy for someone else’s accomplishments or little victories. I’ve noticed that just pausing for a moment to count my own blessings feels like a little reset for my heart - it helps me remember what really matters.
And today, on the Feast of the Archangels, I’m especially grateful for St. Michael, who helps us stay strong in those everyday battles and keep envy from taking root.
That’s why after this week’s Hug message, I've included 10 practical steps you can practice daily - even a few mindful moments each day can make a real difference in building gratitude and letting go of envy.
Watch the Video
Take a few minutes this week to reflect with the “Ousting Env” Hug devotional video. We’ll explore practical ways to let go of jealousy, appreciate the gifts God has given you, and celebrate the good in others without comparing.
Ousting Envy
Excerpt from Hugs: Daily Inspirations for Women
Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. - James 3:16 NKJV
Because we're imperfect, we're sometimes envious of others. But to be envious is to be foolish.
We must guard against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy when other people experience good fortune.
Rather than succumbing to feelings of envy, we should focus on the marvelous things God has done for us (and we should refrain from preoccupying ourselves with the blessings God has chosen to give others).
Saint John Chrysostom offered these words of caution: "As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy consume a man." So here's a proven formula for a happier, healthier life: count your own blessings, and let your neighbors count theirs. It's the best way to live.
"Never indulge in jealousy or envy. Those two destructive emotions will eat you alive." - Loretta Young
Untying the Knots Within – One Step at a Time
- Notice your feelings: Pause and ask yourself, What am I feeling? Do I want to feel this?
- Hit the pause button : Take a few deep breaths or step away from the situation that triggered the envy. Give your mind some space to reset.
- Count your blessings: Write down 3–5 things you’re thankful for today, even small ones. Shifting your focus helps your heart feel lighter.
- Mini Prayer: “Lord, help me celebrate the blessings of others while cherishing the gifts You’ve given me. Keep envy from taking root in my heart.”
- Celebrate others without comparing: It’s possible to be genuinely happy for someone else while still valuing your own gifts. Gratitude and joy can coexist!
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Saint Companions: This week, let
- Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (Sept 29) guide you in protecting your heart from envy and negativity.
- Saint Jerome (Sept 30) reminds us to seek wisdom and focus on the treasures of our own soul.
- Ask for help: Pray to St. Michael and the archangels to guard your heart and mind. Tools like a St. Michael Traveler’s Rosary can help you pause, pray, and stay centered throughout the day.
- Practice daily: Like any habit, building gratitude and reducing envy takes consistency. Even a few mindful moments each day make a difference.
- Rosary Moment: Pray a decade on your favorite single-decade knotted rosary, offering each bead as a blessing for yourself and for those around you.
- Product Tip: Keep this Olive Wood Knotted Door Rosary on the door you use to exit your home. Let it remind you to count 10 blessings God has given you before stepping out into a world full of distractions and temptations.
Rosaries to Inspire this Week:
These rosaries are a simple way to help you stay focused and intentional in prayer, especially when it comes to ousting envy from your heart. Like any habit, growing in gratitude and letting go of jealousy takes practice - even a few small, mindful moments each day can make a real difference.
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St. Michael Protect Us Pocket Rosary – carry St. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael with you in spirit, helping guard your heart in everyday moments.
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Olive Wood Knotted Door Rosary – keep it on a door you use daily as a gentle reminder to pause and count 10 blessings before stepping out into the world. Inspired by St. Jerome, it’s perfect for quiet reflection.
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St. Benedict Traveler’s Rosary – a comforting reminder to stay focused on your own journey and protection from envy.
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- Any of our Handcrafted knotted Rosaries – each one is designed to help you pause, pray, and release whatever is weighing on your heart.
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Let's pray ...
Lord, thank You for all the good things in my life. Help me let go of envy and really be happy for the blessings others have. Keep my heart humble, my mind clear, and my spirit full of joy. Amen.
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