After decades of being told such things like “reach for the
\nstars,” “you can do anything,” and “you can have it all!” from an
\nall-pervasive consumer advertising-driven culture, perhaps it’s time to
\nrethink those ideas. A lot of us are realizing that pushing ourselves
\nso hard to have it all, may not be the best life plan. Getting into big
\ndebt, some of us spending over our heads and beyond what is affordable,
\nwe may have bought a lot of material goods like great houses, fancy
\ncars, and giant flat-screen TV’s but it’s also cost a lot of our
\nincome. Fine dining, gourmet cuisine and a lot of restaurant visits may
\nhave tasted good at the time, but now we have giant gourmet waistlines,
\nchallenging our self-image and even compromising our health. When it
\ncomes down to it – when we are healthy and satisfied, we “have it all.”<\/p>\n
Consider
\nthis today: instead of wanting what you don’t have, try enjoying
\nwhat you already do have.<\/b> Think about the positives in yourself,
\nand in your life, without focusing on what’s not there, or what you
\ndon’t possess.<\/p>\n
Today’s action: While thinking of what’s good in
\nyour life, and what you already have, write your positive attributes on a
\npiece of paper, or in a journal. Ask yourself, and note the goods,
\n“what about me is really good, and fine?” It may be that you are nice
\nlooking, have a great smile, caring, responsible, energetic,
\ncompassionate, and loving. Write anything that comes to mind.<\/p>\n
Next,
\nthink about what you have that’s right and fine and make a list of
\npositive possessions. Do you have a roof over your head, and shelter?
\nMany people in this world do not. We’re very fortunate it we do. Do you
\nhave clothes to wear, to protect you from the elements? Do you have
\nbooks to read, a TV, a computer? Do you have a car or public
\ntransportation to get places? A bed to sleep in at night? Everything
\ncounts, little or big.<\/p>\n
This is an exercise (yes, I used the
\ndreaded word) to remind you that you already have a lot of good in your
\nlife. I hope it will remind you that it is possible to be satisfied
\nfrom the position you are in: with what you have and what you do. You
\nmight even experience moments of satisfaction with who you are. Just as
\nyou are.<\/p>\n
Now, take a meditative moment to reflect on and
\ncontemplate all the good about yourself, and in your life. Ponder your
\nlist. Once feeling centered, stress-free and appreciative, say a silent
\nprayer (or out loud is even better) thanking God for all that is.<\/p>\n
We’d
\nlove to hear what’s good and satisfying in your life. Please write a
\ncomment below, and tell us about what you appreciate and have, instead
\nof what you don’t.<\/p>\n
________<\/p>\n