A note on jealousy

I wrote this in 2018. Still stands. (Pic was taken then too.)

I’ve received enormous support for Say Hello – thank you! It’s been really lovely.
But I want to talk jealousy. Someone’s reaction to my announcement that my book has gone to print was “so jealous!” It’s not the first time I have encountered it, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Please don’t be jealous.

Say Hello took almost two years of writing – I started it in December 2016. Two years of really hard work. Two years of self doubt and performance anxiety. Two years of working long hours to supplement the money I got to write it. Two years of putting other things on hold – like other writing jobs and social events – because I had to write my book. Two years of thinking back to difficult times and putting them on the page. Two years of multiple edits. Two years of jealousy and tall poppy syndrome by now ex friends. Two years of a messy house. Two years of me sometimes putting my book before my relationship.

Before (and during) that time of writing Say Hello, I wrote for years. I showed up on my blog most days. I endured trolls. I pitched to the media – receiving more rejections than publications. But each time I was published in the media, it felt like my birthday. I said yes a lot. I said no sometimes. I studied and drank up information about writing and publishing – podcasts, blog posts, media articles, other peoples advice. I did a lot of speeches. I networked, and put myself out there. I was happy for other people’s success, and shared their work – a lot. And I provided advice to others.

I worked really hard. And so can you.

It can be hard to see others achieving their dreams if their dreams are your dreams too. Especially if you’ve been trying for a long time and especially if they’re people in your community. But jealousy is a horrible trait to be on the receiving end of.

So don’t be jealous. Use that energy to be really productive. Go write that book you’ve been wanting to write, and pitch it to a publisher. Self publish if you have to. There’s enough room for all of us.

Image: woman with red face and short dark curly hair, slightly smiling. She’s wearing a pale green cardigan over an Australiana print top, and rose gold sunglasses.

The post A note on jealousy first appeared on Carly Findlay.