No More Sour Grapes

No More Sour Grapes Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~ Voltaire You know you think it. An author you know lands a contract or sells an article. She achieves this great promo on a big blog or gets invited to speak at an event that overlooked you. And you feel sorry for yourself . . . and start rationalizing why they were not as worthy as you. Or that you are a better writer. I know you do, because Ive stumbled into that mindset. . . as recently as last week. And I slap myself. I believe in being happy for those enjoying success for the following reasons: 1) You feel better. 2) You can make the other person feel good with a compliment, which makes you feel better. 3) You can study what they did and learn from their success. 4) You can bring attention to yourself 5) That big karma in the sky can come around later and pat you on the back when this successful individual you once supported in their early days becomes able to thank you in return. When you stop and think about it, theres nothing to be gained from begrudging someone else for making a splash. You negate yourself all the above benefits I listed. There is absolutely no good reason whatsoever to look at a winner and not like him. One day and if you keep at it that day will come you will achieve commendation from an editor, a contest, a publisher, an agent, or some group that applauds your efforts. At that time, you would hope that others would bask with you in the glory. You love these people, and surprise, you want to reach out to them and help them in their struggles. Its called reaching back. Writers are connected. Sure, some are higher on the ladder than you. Sure, you wish you were on their rung. But you gain nothing disliking their status. Instead, be thrilled for them. Offer applause and verbalize support. Not only does this make you a better human being, but you also feel a more positive urge to try harder. You hope harder to meet your goals. And the universe eventually rewards you for it.