The Art of Congratulating
When I look at how I've matured over the past several years, I noticed only a few aspects have changed. One of the significant changes is being able to truly congratulate someone on an accomplishment or celebratory event.
Growing up in a very competitive environment, I found it difficult to genuinely congratulate someone on an achievement, whether that is getting better grades than me or receiving spectacular gifts for their birthday. I guess as a child or teenager, I never considered it difficult to be exuberant for others, rather I was just more envious of them. I was jealous that I didn't get the grades or had never received those awesome presents.
As a child, I never considered it fair that some people were more well off than me (of course being oblivious to those less fortunate than me at the same time). I think it's natural for children to think that. As I aged, I realized that you live life with what you're given rather than mope about what others have. And it's how to you play with what you have that makes who you are. I found it better putting in time and effort on what I can control rather than worrying about how others have it easier, how timing doesn't work out as perfectly, or other parameters in which I can't control.
In many cases, you don't see all the issues, hard-work, time spent on accomplishing achievements, whether that's with personal or career advancements, so congratulate them without an grudges. Though, it is much more satisfying (and simpler) to do so when you are aware of the obstacles they had to overcome. We all have different paths and that's what makes life interesting.
Plus, it feels more gratifying genuinely congratulating rather than being envious.