We live in a world where we are constantly confronted with comparisons. On TV, on social media, and in magazines, we see and hear about perfect – perfect lives, perfect marriages, perfect homes, perfect wardrobes, perfect vacations. You name it.
The truth is, here in the United States, the majority of people live extremely blessed lives with access to not only food and shelter, but an abundance and even excess of clothes, toys, and other material goods designed to make our lives easier. Despite all of our blessings, we are constantly reminded of what we don’t have through the ever growing sources of media. Instead of being grateful for what we have, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison and dissatisfaction.
For the most part, dissatisfaction has very little to do with a true lack of anything necessary, but much more about our own perceptions and ability to see the gifts we already have. When we view our lives and homes with a sense of gratitude and agency, rather than a sense of victimhood, we will begin to see how richly we have been blessed, and how much we can do to change areas of our lives for the better.
This isn’t about creating a life free of problems, or a heaven on earth, so to speak, but about truly learning to love the beautiful lives and the gifts we have been given.
There are a few simple approaches to doing this.
Approach your “problem” from a gratitude perspective.
Think of something in your life or home that doesn’t look the way you wish that it did. Maybe your home is completely cluttered all the time, and you don’t like the way it looks and feels to you and your family. Instead of feeling dissatisfied, remember what a gift is it to have a home in the first place. It will never be totally free from all stress and mess, and it isn’t supposed to be. But it is where you live much of your life, and you have the ability to make your home a happy, fun, and loving environment for your family. You can love your life and your home no matter what stage you are in at the moment, even if it doesn’t look exactly as you with it did.
Assess the situation and own the problem.
If there is area of your life or home that you don’t like, ask yourself whether you have the ability to change it, and whether making the change would be good for you and your family. Even if the problem is not entirely your fault, admit that there is a problem, and determine what you can do to change for the better without blaming others or feeling bitter.
Using the example of your home, if it is a cluttered mess that you don’t love, then what could you do to make it better for you and your family. Start with just one area, such as a closet or a bathroom. Preferably pick a small area relative to the size of your home, because it will be less overwhelming to start. Think about the area, and why it might be a problem as well as steps you can take to make this space better and more functional.
Visualize a better situation.
Close your eyes for a minute. Imagine what a certian situation could look like if you took agency and made some simple positive changes? In the example of a closet, imagine a space that is functional, well organized and clutter-free. Imagine a space that would decrease your stress rather than adding to it.
Take small steps to bring yourself closer to the goal you have visualized.
Take one small step today toward achieving your vision. Just remember, the goal should not be some perfectionistic, and unrealistic magazine version of life. For example if you want to make your bedroom a space that you want to enjoy more, you do not have to spend tons of money to buy all new furniture, and all new decor. If you do decide to spend a little, it should be for simple and small things. Find ways to love what you already have and declutter what is taking away from the space. You do not have to spend money to love what you already have.
Conclusion:
The ideas in this article “Simple Ways to Love What You Have”, can apply to any area of your life, such as an overwhelming schedule, budget problems, or clutter. I hope you will find these ideas to be useful and encouraging, and that you will fill your life with gratitude and the knowledge that you have the ability to make positive changes in your own life.
