The Grass Is Never Greener

No matter how evolved you become, you still wake up here every morning. -- Unknown You know the old adage, "The grass is always greener on the other side?" Most people do. And many people believe it's true. But here's what I know: The grass is never greener, it's just a different shade. Meaning that, if you're not happy with what you have, and you think trading it in/getting something new will change all that, it won't. You'll just trade the difficulties and pleasures you have now for other difficulties and pleasures. For instance -- you have a job now that's mostly great. You love the people you work with, you work in a beautiful office, and your talents and gifts are acknowledged and respected. However, you're a bit unhappy with the benefits package you get, and you don't like that flex time isn't offered. Because we, as humans, have so many choices in life, you decide it's time to find another job. You look, and find one that seems to have what you want. The benefits are infinitely better, there's a liberal flex time policy, and the people seem nice. You choose to take the job. Once in the job, however, you find that the boss is a tyrant, wants things his own way, wants you to jump at his every whim, and that he couldn't care less if you're happy or not. And you're not. In fact, you start to look back on leaving your other job with some regret. So what did you gain by making the change? Absolutely nothing. In fact, you may have lost something. At best, it's been a lateral move. And why? Because you were focusing on what you didn't have, rather than what you did. And that generally only leads to quick choices and often, to heartache. Now, that doesn't mean that you should never make changes in your life. Certainly things change, needs change, we change. But I've found that, often, the things people really want most are right under their noses.... but they were so busy looking for something bigger/better/faster/prettier, they never rneven noticed. Grass Is Never Greener, page 2 So the next time you're thinking that the grass must be greener, just stop that thought in its tracks. And instead of looking for something better, first look at all of what you have to be grateful for. Gratitude is an important thing in creating contentment in your life. Then, if there are things that you'd like to see changed, see what you can do to make it happen -- right where you are. What can you do with what you already have? How can you make things better for yourself and others? The answer isn't found in simply and quickly giving up on where you are and what you have. The secret is found in being more completely present, being grateful, and working to make it what you want and need it to be. Only after really trying to do that and finding it doesn't work, will you be able to find, and then be happy with something else.