It is never a coincidence who we meet and how we meet them. Encounters always hold up a mirror that allows us to learn something about ourselves. This truth was taught to me by my mother, who once made a sport out of turning her relationship difficulties into self-awareness. It is often painful to face, but if we accept that every encounter in life is a mirror and are willing to look into that mirror, even if it is distorted, we are well on our way to deeper self-knowledge.

I must admit, there was a time when I found myself feeling envious of a model because of her beauty. Not so much because of the conventional measure of attractiveness, but because of the way she carried herself with seeming ease, exuding confidence and charm. Her attractiveness was like a magnet that drew me in.

As I struggled with my own insecurities, I couldn’t help but compare myself to her. I felt as if my self-worth was somehow diminished in the light of her presence. Over time, however, I realized that beauty is multifaceted. It is not just about appearances, but about the stories we carry, the experiences we have and the way we relate to others.

Envy can be a powerful teacher, leading us to recognise our own strengths and values. It reminds us that we are all on different paths, and our path is meant to be embraced at every turn. Now, when I see someone who radiates beauty, I don’t feel envy, but rather appreciation for the many forms of beauty that are displayed in the world – including my own.