"Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own." ~Harold Coffin
This is so true, isn't it? Jealousy is ugly, but it's human nature, right? I think if someone were to say they had never been jealous, they would be a liar. I know I've been guilty, many times.
But even when we feel jealous, we don't need to act on it. It's one thing to feel it in your heart, but put your best face forward, it's another to act like a bitter envious fool.
And in the writing business, I'm constantly seeing people, friends, surpass where I'm at. Getting agents, getting book contracts, and it's hard, but it also makes me realize that it is possible to achieve your goals.
If we act like an ass about it, well, we'll look like an ass. If we purposely ignore it, it festers and eats away at us. It can destroy friendships.
That said, I think it's important to commend people on their successes. Even go out of your way to share it with others. It will make them feel good, and may also relieve your own jealousy issues a bit. I also think it's okay to talk about it. I've said to people, "Man, I am so jealous." And you know what, they usually understand. They've been there, and you can commiserate and celebrate together.
That's all I've got.
Happy Monday.
Kisses
:*
Megan
I totally agree. Karma is a big part of my mentality... if you're not supportive and helpful, how could you expect support and help? The only thing that bad energy fosters is more bad energy... boy I sound like a hippie.
ReplyDeletePEACE!! lol... ;)
Jealousy is a very tough one for me, especially when it does seem like everywhere I turn someone else is getting another book contract. It's a destructive emotion and I try to work through it when it shows up, however difficult that may be.
ReplyDeleteHere's to beating the green monster and getting a damn book contract soon!
Oi! So hard to face your demons. I'm pretty much a snot when someone makes it with something that is truly sub par in my opinion (Twilight is the one I am relentless about), but I think this networking, making friends IN PROCESS helps humanize it. It is easy to think someone doesn't deserve it who you'll never meet, but much HARDER to resent someone you KNOW (especially after watching them work hard). So expanding my network helps guide me to better behavior... or so I hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments guys. It is hard, and now matter how happy I am for my friends who make it, there's that little part of me that says, "why can't it be me?"
ReplyDeleteJust part of being human I guess.
The media is always telling us to be jealous of what others have. Many politicans say, "Tax the rich!" But it's all class envy politics to pander to us while they ignore us.
ReplyDeleteI am not jealous of people like Bill Gates. More power to him for being so clever. As for this writing business, I promise that when I'm rich and famous I'll invite all of you to sail about with me to my island for a weekend get-away.
In the mean time, I went to the casino this weekend and won $200 counting cards at the blackjack table. Check my website for how to count cards, and be happy.
Got a dream? Go for it.
It is hard to see other authors land agents and good book deals, and I've have my twinges but I try to turn it around and figure, if it can happen to them, it can happen to me. And in a way it did. A small press accepted my book and I feel very fortunate and lucky.I take the time to support other authors as they do the Big Search whether it's for an agent or publisher.
ReplyDeleteG, thanks for your comment and congrats on your publication. I think all successes of writers, big or small are celebratory. :) And getting accepted by a small press is a BIG accomplishment. It's awesome for writers to have people like you in their corner. I think we all need to support each other in our journeys. Commiserate, celebrate, learn, teach, just help in any way we can to help ourselves and others achieve our goals.
ReplyDeleteWalter. Congrats on your win. :)