“Jealousy is such a direct attack on whatever measure of confidence you’ve been able to muster. But if you continue to write, you are probably going to have to deal with it, because some wonderful, dazzling successes are going to happen for some of the most awful, angry, undeserving writers you know – people who are, in other words, not you.” – Anne Lamott
We all have our run-ins with the green-eyed monster, whether we want to admit it or not. Jealousy can strike suddenly and without warning – when a colleague receives a promotion you were hoping for, when a former school rival lands a solo art show at a famous gallery or even when a close friend is happy in a new relationship.
It’s OK to feel jealous at times. Feeling envious of someone else’s accomplishments or possessions doesn’t mean you are a mean or petty person, but it’s important to know how to channel your emotions in a way that doesn’t hurt you or others. When you struggle with your jealous feelings, turn to your personal journal for support and guidance.
3 Journaling Therapy Tips for Dealing With Jealousy
1. Come clean.
Your journal is not going to judge you for how you feel. Start by being completely honest about what is bothering you and how it is affecting you. Describe how your jealousy feels, both emotionally and physically. It doesn’t matter if you feel childish or guilty about your emotions – accept them as your own and describe them in detail in your personal journal.
2. Go beneath the surface.
When you are envious of someone else’s success, it is often because your own inner critic is chiming in, bringing up your insecurities, fears and self-doubt. Listen to that voice for a moment (but not for too long!) to understand not only what you are feeling but why. What about this situation do you feel reflects on you— your dreams, hopes, goals, self-worth?
3. Move on.
Dwelling on your jealousy for too long will not make you feel better about yourself or help you pursue your goals. Close your journaling therapy session by coming up with ways to harness your emotions and channel them into something you love doing. When an acquaintance releases her first album, get motivated to work on your own songs again. When a former co-worker launches his own startup, revisit your own entrepreneurial ideas. Tell yourself that you are in charge of your personal success and happiness – move onward and upward!
Have you used journaling therapy to process jealousy or other tough emotions? Share your experiences in the comments.
Questions??? Ask Mari about Journaling Therapy!
If you want to learn how journaling can help you tackle life's challenges such as jealousy, please download the free eBook, The Journaling Guide to Manage The Stress and Strains of Life.
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