When I am doing good and honest work on something that is meaningful to me, it’s much easier to drown out the voices (both internal and external) that tell me I still need more, more, more.
Thank you so much for saying these things. Yes to being between projects and feeling unmoored—part of my process early in a project is noticing what’s around and that can often lead to wanting things because if I own it … somehow the writing gets done. ???? 😆
And also professional jealousy. We don’t talk about this enough, and it’s so layered and conflicted. Excited for a colleague’s success while sad that some elements of one’s own success are “lesser,” ugh.
Your remedy being the page does hold up for me, too. What can I do now about my books, how can I put energy into creating new work. Vs how can I acquire something shiny.
Growing up, my parents always told us to “watch the doughnut, not the hole”! I instilled the same homily in my daughter and now send it out to you. I’ve always been a glass-half-full gal and maybe this was the cause 🤷🏼♀️ On the other hand, I think ‘want’ is what motivates me to go after those things/traits I envy in other people!
I love your doughnut saying! And I think you're right: a certain amount of want can help drive ambition and lead to some pretty amazing results. As with all things, it's about balance, I guess.
Thank you so much for saying these things. Yes to being between projects and feeling unmoored—part of my process early in a project is noticing what’s around and that can often lead to wanting things because if I own it … somehow the writing gets done. ???? 😆
And also professional jealousy. We don’t talk about this enough, and it’s so layered and conflicted. Excited for a colleague’s success while sad that some elements of one’s own success are “lesser,” ugh.
Your remedy being the page does hold up for me, too. What can I do now about my books, how can I put energy into creating new work. Vs how can I acquire something shiny.
Thank you; I very much needed to read this today.
Thanks, Marion! ❤️
Growing up, my parents always told us to “watch the doughnut, not the hole”! I instilled the same homily in my daughter and now send it out to you. I’ve always been a glass-half-full gal and maybe this was the cause 🤷🏼♀️ On the other hand, I think ‘want’ is what motivates me to go after those things/traits I envy in other people!
I love your doughnut saying! And I think you're right: a certain amount of want can help drive ambition and lead to some pretty amazing results. As with all things, it's about balance, I guess.
It was from a Burl Ives song. Get ready LOL https://youtu.be/VxZBL5kXSk8?si=-q91Hrrog6DHsHy0
Thanks for the pre-order reminder- I can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for your realness in sharing these hard feelings ❤️
Thanks, Cara! Hope things are going well with your manuscript!
Oof. I can definitely relate to those feelings of jealousy. Thankls for being vulnerable enough to share this very real thing that happens to us.