3 Shadow Journal Prompts to Explore Your Envy

Envy is an emotion many of us feel but rarely want to admit.

It’s often seen as something shameful or negative, but in reality, envy holds deep wisdom. It reveals our hidden desires, unmet aspirations, and the parts of ourselves that long for more. Instead of pushing envy away, what if we used it as a guide?

These three Shadow Journal prompts will help you explore the deeper meaning behind envy, uncover what it’s trying to teach you, and transform it into self-awareness and motivation.

“Who am I envious of, and what exactly am I envious about?”

Why This is a Profound Question:

Envy isn’t just about wanting what someone else has—it’s a mirror reflecting the parts of ourselves we haven’t fully embraced or pursued. By pinpointing exactly what we envy, we gain insight into our own unspoken dreams and desires.

What to Notice as You Write:

• Is your envy about material things, achievements, relationships, or a way of being?

• Does this person embody traits or confidence you wish you had?

• Are there limiting beliefs stopping you from pursuing what you envy?

• What would happen if you gave yourself permission to want and pursue these things?

  
  

“If I believed I was fully capable and worthy, how would I act differently toward the things I envy?”

Why This is a Profound Question:

Envy often carries an underlying belief of “I can’t have that” or “That’s not for me.” This question helps challenge those limiting beliefs and shifts the focus from lack to possibility.

What to Notice as You Write:

• Do you unconsciously assume you’re unworthy of what you envy?

• How would you pursue your desires if you believed in your own power?

• Are there small steps you can take to move toward what you admire in others?

• What fears come up when you imagine yourself having what you currently envy?

“How can I transform my envy into inspiration rather than comparison?”

Why This is a Profound Question:

Envy can either drain us through comparison or fuel us with inspiration—it all depends on how we choose to respond. This question encourages you to shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of possibility.

What to Notice as You Write:

• Do you see other people’s success as proof that it’s possible for you too?

• How can you reframe envy as a sign of what you’re meant to explore?

• Are you willing to use envy as motivation rather than self-criticism?

• What’s one action you can take today to bring yourself closer to your desires?

If these prompts resonated with you, imagine the transformation that comes with a fully guided Shadow Work journey.

✨ The Compact Shadow Journal is perfect for beginners who want a structured yet approachable way to start.

If you need to learn more before taking that deep dive, read about our blog posts on both our Compact Journal and Concise Journal to discover the wonderful ways Empowered Solitude can help you take the next step toward self-awareness and healing.

✨ The Concise Shadow Journal dives even deeper, offering more chapters and prompts for those ready to commit to self-discovery.

If you're ready to meet yourself on a deeper level, start your journey today.

Envy isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s a clue, pointing us toward what we secretly desire but haven’t yet given ourselves permission to claim.

When we explore envy with curiosity instead of judgment, we turn it into a powerful tool for growth, inspiration, and self-empowerment.

The key isn’t to suppress envy but to ask: What is this feeling trying to show me about myself?

It takes all kinds to make a world!

So remember, I am entitled to my beliefs and you are under no obligation to believe me.

Use your wisdom, take what resonates and treat the parts you disagree with as a fairytale.

Thank you for reading and wherever you are in the world, I wish you a worthy day!