Italy Envy

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Italy Envy

June 6, 2012 by orvietoorbust

“Nothing is as obnoxious as other people’s luck.”― F. Scott Fitzgerald

Envy is a malicious emotion in which a miserable and narcissistic person craves the misfortune of others and begrudges their success. From the Latin word Invidia, envy is considered so nefarious it’s ranked number six among the Seven Deadly Sins. Some days I admit it – I’m a sinner…I envy the entire population of Italy.

“Envy is for people who don’t have the self-esteem to be jealous.”― Benson Bruno

Jealousy, similar to envy, is often defined as “resentment against a rival, suspicion or fear of losing someone or something you love.” Hummm…

You know, I am not going to allow myself to linger any longer in these emotional black holes. When I find myself in this unhealthy state of mind, I’ll just remember that the merry-go-round of life spins and spins and there are more than enough brass rings to go around. I’ll wait and be patient for I am about to come around again for another grab at the prize. Negative moods are neither good for your soul nor your skin.

Envious or jealous is just no way to be.

by Toni DeBella

Posted in Americans Abroad, Expat in Italy, Italy, Orvieto, Piazza Navona, Rome, Travel, Umbria | Tagged Envy, Italy, jealousy, Orvieto, Piazza Navona, Rome, travel, Travel to Italy | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on June 6, 2012 at 1:20 pm | Reply Rachael Herman

Haha, what a great blog idea! I too am envious of those Italians for the breathtaking culture and knockout scenery that they are fortunate to have right on their doorstep. Grrr.
- on June 6, 2012 at 5:50 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Thanks Rachael, yeah, grrrrr. Toni
on June 6, 2012 at 2:11 pm | Reply janinevasta

Thing is Toni, you are absolutely right. Italy just cries out to be envied! I like the difference in Italian between invidioso (envious) and geloso (jealous of someone because you love them and don’t want to share them).
Your turn is closer than you think. Getting closer everyday. I know it. Fidati!!! Bacioni. xx
- on June 6, 2012 at 5:51 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Janine, what would I do without you? Abbracci. t
  - on June 7, 2012 at 1:19 am janinevasta
    
    That’s something you definitely don’t have to worry about tesoro.
on June 6, 2012 at 3:04 pm | Reply Gayle Nicoletti

Toni, I am envious of those who are fortunate to enjoy the Italian lifestyle, and I do hope one day to be one of them! I am sure you are envied of your ability to follow your dream with passion and creativity…you are very near the prize! In the meantime, we blend our love for all things Italian with the beauty and joys of California! Gayle Nicoletti
- on June 6, 2012 at 5:53 pm | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Gayle….You are right and I am luckier than most, but still I am greedy…a little is not enough. Thanks for the encouragement and I hope to see you very soon. Hugs. t
on June 10, 2012 at 10:31 am | Reply lindyloumacinitaly

Stay positive and strong you are already on the way. 🙂
on September 4, 2012 at 1:45 am | Reply JL Walker

Hi Toni, I just found your blog and would like to follow along. I love the quote from Fitzgerald you used here, it’s so true! In bocca al lupo with your future adventures.
- on September 4, 2012 at 6:54 am | Reply orvietoorbust
  
  Hi Jenna,
  
  Thanks for writing…I went over to your blog and saw how you are documenting you quest for Italian citizenship. Brava. As someone married to an Italian I hope it will happen faster for you than it did for me. Dual citizenship is a wonderful thing. Where are you living in Italy? Thanks for following me and I will be soon following you too. toni
  - on September 4, 2012 at 8:26 am JL Walker
    
    I’m living in Milano, but I can understand your love of Orvieto! I visited the city in May on my way to Rome and it seems like such a great town. As for dual citizenship, I’m slowly working things out for my application. Did you have to go through the whole process recently? Ciao!
  - on September 4, 2012 at 9:39 am orvietoorbust
    
    I love, love, love Milano. I was there for a couple of days in April! It is so different than central Italy in culture and has a lot of really tall, handsome men. I did get my citizenship last August. Check out my post “How to Become an Italian Citizen in only 989 Days” when you have a chance. Perhaps you can relate to some of my experiences. Ciao. Keep in touch. Toni