Truth be told, when I get together with Britton Gildersleeve, lots of things she says hum and resonate and stick. She's a wonderful critique partner/editor, she talks a mile a minute, she reads everything that's worth reading, and she's wicked-smart. (Unfortunately, I only see Britton once a year at my annual writing retreat in Conception, Missouri.)
Britton said, "The sun that shines on you also warms me."
We happened to be talking about people who are jealous of the success of others...People who try to downplay their accomplishments...people who try to hog up the spotlight.
So the next time you look a little green-with-envy, think of how you can bask in that warmth, too.
Because you can. And you should.
Wonderful comment to take into my Monday morning! You have a good week ahead!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--Thanks. You too--you have a great week.
DeleteBritton Gildersleeve. What a fantastic name!
ReplyDeleteShay--I agree. When it comes to Britt, I have name envy. ;)
DeleteWhat a great quote. There's a lot of wisdom there.
ReplyDeleteDonna--Check out Kim's quote (see her later comment). It's a wise one, too.
DeleteYou have to make your own success. It's not going to fall into your lap. I don't begrudge anybody's hard work that pays off. But if it falls into their lap...there's gonna be some whining.
ReplyDeleteVal--You and I could do a duet...
DeleteI have this picture on my desk: http://www.mediawebapps.com/picturelike.php?id=1266
ReplyDeleteKim--I like that one, too. Thanks for sharing. (And congratulations on the upcoming grandbaby!)
DeleteSo true, Sioux. We must believe in ourselves and be happy for others.
ReplyDeleteLinda--Believing in ourselves IS crucial, especially when it comes to writers.
DeleteYep, I reckon we've been drinking the same Kool-aid lately, Sioux, on this subject. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that quote as well.
Cathy--Great minds think alike? ;)
DeleteHey Sioux - I think a little envy is okay (and only natural) if it spurs us to try harder, but it must be tempered with the understanding that the only things we're really entitled to are the things we earn for ourselves. That said, I also believe it makes us feel good to celebrate with our friends, and as a writer I've come to the realization that publishing success for other writers is proof that it can happen, so it gives me hope to keep pushing and trying when I might otherwise throw my hands up and pour a glass of wine. Well, okay. I'll pour the wine one way or another, but you get what I'm saying. :)
ReplyDeleteBasking in a widely cast glow is warm - only reason to be envious is if it was ill-gotten, ie plagiarism or some such. We should be each other's main champions. And you are, Sioux!
ReplyDeleteI'm sunburned from all my friends! :-) I love their (your) successes!
ReplyDeleteI must admit to feeling twinges of envy from time to time, which adds a truckload of guilt. When I read Anne Lamott's chapter on jealousy in Bird by Bird, it bowled me over. Maybe I'm not the most horrible human being on earth if someone as amazing as Anne Lamott experiences the same thing. So I take her advice and try to rediscover my sense of humor while I dance to the music.
ReplyDeletePat
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