*The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Katy of Modly Chic sends us questions weekly, and we answer on our blogs.
The Green Eyed Monster. We’ve all experienced those pangs of envy when dealing with friends or other people who possess things that we deem desirable. It’s a natural reaction to feel a little jealous from time to time, but when jealousy (or hateration) becomes a normal part of life then its time to stop and address the root of your envy. This week’s (and Stylish Thought’s first) Friend Friday asks us: How do we deal with jealousy?
1. How do you define jealousy?
I define jealously as feelings of inadequacy when encountering a person who possesses something you wish you could have; whether its a material thing or a personal quality that typically steams from an emptiness or void in one’s own life.
2. When do you find you experience a bit of blogger jealousy?
When I first started blogging I experienced blogger jealousy, but not becauase of material things like shoes and clothes. I mostly envied bloggers who had more popularity than me. It’s silly to me now because I know that things like traffic and comments do not make a quality blog, but back then it was something that mattered.
3. What types of blogs or which bloggers are you a little jealous of?
I wouldn’t say that there is a type of blogger that I’m ever jealous or envious of, but there are instances when I do experience pangs of jealousy, mostly when a well-known blogger gets invited to a major designer show or gets a book deal. While my heart of hearts is happy for their achievements, I’m human and do become envious. Good thing is I don’t dwell in those emotions and use them to fuel me to someday achieve the same things.
4. From the time we’re little we are taught that jealousy is a bad thing, but it can also inspire us to be better. Have you changed the way you do things, the content of your blog, etc… as a result of what someone else is doing?
I agree that a little jealousy can help spur you to greatness. Maybe it’s the Virgo in me. I can’t say that I’ve ever changed my blog because of what others were doing, but just assessing what was working for other bloggers I have evaluated what I need to do in order to be a better blogger. It’s healthy to take notes from our peers and let it propel us to be better.
5. What is the best way to overcome jealousy in the blogosphere and in life?
I think the healthiest way to overcome feelings of jealousy is to simply be real with yourself. Ask yourself, why am I hating or feeling jealous towards someone? What do they have that I wish I could have? And once you can address the root of your feelings you realize that jealousy has less to do with the other people and more about yourself.
How do you deal with feelings of jealousy?
Good Answers. I agree that jealousy is more about the feelings that you have about yourself than the person your jealous of. Jealousy may spark inspiration but it can also spark down feelings. The way to overcome those feelings is to start feeling good and saying good things that will bring a smile.
Thank you. I agree when you have those feelings the best thing is to focus on what you have and are happy for. Thanks for the comment!
Coming from a fellow virgo I can agree that little bouts of jealousy can propel you to get up and push yourself farther. That’s what helps me get over it – realizing that I can get to the place another blogger is, in my own time and in my own way!
btw: I LOVE the look you have in your main photo! The hair and makeup are fab!
Thanks MJ! Virgos definitely use bad feelings to push them to do better. Thanks for the comment!
I’ve found that continual assessment of my blog and other blogs has helped me to develop better content, join other social networks, and become confident in my mission.
I enjoyed your answers, too!
Chandra
Thanks Chandra! I’ve refined my blogs direction several times and each time it’s become more me. Thanks for the comment!