For better or worse, jealousy is a topic I keep coming back to on this blog. I’ve revealed my jealousy triggers and shared advice from some of my favorite bloggers on how they deal with jealousy.
Today, I’d like to chat a little bit about how I tame the green-eyed monster when he dares to show his ugly face — which, if we’re being completely honest, happens more frequently than I would like.
Plus, at the end of the post, you’ll find free desktop wallpaper I created in partnership with HP that you can download on your computer or iPhone. Hopefully, it’ll inspire you to do what I do when I’m feeling super jealous of what somebody else has, whether an opportunity or a material possession.
Ready?
I keep my eyes on my own work.
When I find I’m too distracted by what others have, I just stop looking. Like a race horse, I wear blinders to limit my peripheral vision from all of the distractions around me.
Keeping my eyes on my own work may mean unsubscribing from a few blogs that make me feel annoyed rather than inspired.
It may mean unfollowing strangers on Instagram who make me feel bad about my reflection in the mirror.
It may even mean finding an alternate route home from my son’s day camp so I don’t pass the beautiful house that makes me feel down about having to downsize our living situation.
Admittedly, my trick for dealing with jealousy is simple. It’s a little bit “ignorance is bliss” meets “what you don’t know can’t hurt you.” It also doesn’t help to solve the underlying issues causing the jealous feelings, I know.
But sometimes a quick fix is all it takes to bring my focus back to myself rather than on that blogger with a million page views or that Instagrammer with the fabulous wardrobe or even that stranger who lives in an amazing mid-century modern mansion down the road.
Using the Touch Mat on the new Sprout by HP, I created this cheeky desktop wallpaper as a reminder to keep my eyes on my own work.
Now, I’m not a graphic designer (although I wish I were!), but the Sprout’s innovative features, which also include a 14-megapixel high-res camera and a 3D camera, inspired me to flex my weak and flabby artistic muscles. I used the stylus to draw the eyes and then resized and repositioned them with my fingers all on the futuristic Touch Mat.
I also tried handwriting “Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Work,” but my faux calligraphy skills were seriously lacking. I have to admit, though, I’m pretty happy with how my eye illustration turned out. Now let’s see how long I can go without comparing it to somebody else’s digital download . . .
How do you deal with jealousy? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
This post was written in partnership with HP. As always, all ideas and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog! #sproutbyhp #CIY
What a cute wallpaper! Thanks!
Keeping your eyes on your own paper is KEY sometimes. It’s so easy to get swept up in comparison, especially now that we live in the age of Pinterest. Loving this download– thanks for sharing!
The jealously thing is so easy to fall into…. but love your wallpaper to help remind to keep your eyes on yourself!
Great post – love the story behind your beautiful wallpaper. I’m going to download it for my computer! 😉
ok, *I’M* jealous of your HP Sprout!! So cool! 🙂
I love your blog and your honesty!