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Most everyone I know has experienced envy at one time or another.

"Some folks rail against other folks, because other folks have what some folks would be glad of." Author: Henry Fielding

Envy is an emotion, and it is not always easy to control our emotions. Have you ever read another writer's work and been jealous that your own writing has not reached that level or maybe one of your fellow authors has had great success with their first book and you have not been as successful. It is hard to look at another's success and not envy it. As writers each of us is capable of seeing what our own strengths and weakness are.

When I first got word a friend of mine sold 1834 copies of her book in a 90 day period, I secretly envied her. However, at the same time I was happy for her. She definitely deserved it and worked hard to get there.

Success is an achievement that we must work hard to reach. Some people can not accept this. They become so obsessed by their envy that they allow it to control their lives. The envious person will not work towards accomplishing success. In his own twisted little perspective he believes that he is successful. He believes that others are envying him. It is when envy, degrades to 'jealous envy' that it becomes damaging. Jealousy can be a very sad emotion, when from the depth of envy comes hatred. It is then that the envious person will stop at nothing to bring down a successful colleague. He will go to great lengths, no matter how damaging, if it means destroying the good name of his peer.

The jealous person is simply someone who doesn't realize how he is hurting his own reputation. Beneath this jealous facade is a very insecure individual with low self esteem. His jealousy turns to hateful malicious acts. He first starts by criticizing others and then begins spreading false rumors and makes false allegations to instill doubt into people's minds. As the jealous person becomes more envious he starts to engage in abusive behavior.

"The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves." ~William Penn, Some Fruits of Solitude, 1693

Now none of us can say that we have never been jealous of someone. But when you will go to great lengths to damage another person's reputation then it is time to seek help.

If someone is envious of you, don't allow yourself to be brought down to their level of hatred. You should be proud of your success, you have gotten where you are by putting a hand out to help others. It is only when we help others, that we help ourselves. We have all heard the old saying, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer (01/14/1875-1965)