Full Plates, Empty Hearts

Let's walk together on the journey to greatness by any means.

Lessons on Greed, Gratitude, and Walking Together

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how folks navigate life, love, and ambition. There’s this saying I keep coming back to: people’s plates are full, and they’ve already had their share, with more left over—but they want to be a glutton because they see what’s on another person’s plate. It’s a vivid way to describe envy, comparison, and the urge to take what isn’t ours, even when we’re already overflowing with blessings, opportunities, or resources.

Here’s the truth: most of the time, folks don’t even like what’s on the other person’s plate. They don’t appreciate it, they don’t understand it, yet they want it simply because it’s not theirs. That desire is hollow. It’s performative hunger. And in relationships, whether romantic, professional, or communal, that kind of approach never works. The goal should never be to grab, consume, or dominate someone else’s journey. The goal should be to walk alongside them. To be with a person, witness their story, and respect the fullness of their life—even the parts that aren’t ours to touch.

I reflect on this a lot as a Black American man navigating spaces where envy and comparison run rampant. Too often, we measure ourselves by others’ success or possessions instead of our own growth. I’ve seen how destructive it can be when people chase what isn’t theirs—not only in material terms but emotionally and spiritually. The lesson is clear: satisfaction comes from honoring your own plate while supporting others in their journey, rather than trying to feast on what isn’t meant for you.

And while we’re talking about honoring journeys, let’s remember two important observances this month: Indigenous Peoples Day and the U.S. Navy’s birthday. Indigenous Peoples Day is a call to honor the histories, cultures, and resilience of Native communities—people whose “plates” were taken from them long ago, yet they continue to contribute and survive with grace. It’s a reminder of how important it is to respect the fullness of another’s story without trying to overreach or claim it as your own.

Similarly, the Navy’s birthday, celebrated annually on October 13, reminds us of service, dedication, and teamwork. Sailors don’t operate alone; they navigate challenging waters together. The strength of the fleet is never in individual greed but in commitment to the collective mission. Both observances echo the same truth we see in life and relationships: success, fulfillment, and growth come when we honor the journey of others while walking our own path.

So, next time you find yourself eyeing what someone else has, pause. Appreciate your own plate. Sit with it. Taste it. Share when appropriate, but don’t devour someone else’s story or possessions out of envy. Walk with people, support their journey, and honor the fullness of their lives. That’s the real wealth, the real satisfaction. That’s Black excellence in action—not greed masquerading as ambition.