The Grass is Always Greener....
Something I wrote....
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER………. (or is it?)
The grass is always greener, except wherever I happen to be. At least, very often, it feels like that. However, when I begin to feel as though that is true, I remind myself that I am making unnecessary comparisons to the rest of the world. And, that is when it is time to focus on my own personal life.
Instead of looking at the details of the lives of others, I need to look at the reality of my own life. Often, I become entangled in the fantasy of those things (material or emotional) that I believe I desire, simply because those things obscurely appear to give happiness to others, or because of my misinterpretation of what I think I need in my life.
I need to believe in myself and in my own self-worth. I need to simply just know in my heart that whatever is in my life right now is there because it’s a gift and a blessing. The energy of the universe knows what is best for me, better than I know myself.
I need to remember that my personal happiness comes from within me, and not from other people or other external sources.
If I focus outside of myself, without faith, then I will only become frustrated and disappointed. It’s time to search deep within my heart and my soul. It’s time to remind myself of my accomplishments and successes. It’s time to take a good look at what I have learned, and realize from where those lessons came.
And, whenever I feel as though I’m a failure, lonely, unimportant, unsuccessful, and ugly, it’s time to ask myself “why?” “Why” am I feeling despondent or downhearted? Maybe it’s because I am failing to look deep within my heart and to appreciate the reality of my life.
And, how does one go about appreciating the reality of one’s life? Very simply stated, it’s all a matter of being able to recognize all of the good that has entered my life. Instead of emphasizing what is missing in my life, it’s time to accentuate the positives and highlight the significant value and benefits that do exist in my life.
Instead of wishing that my income was more than it is, I am happy that I have an income.
Instead of wishing that my house was nicer, I am happy that I have a house at all.
Instead of wishing that I drove a nicer car, I am happy that I have a car.
Instead of wishing that my body was thinner, as I was a few years ago, I am happy that my body is not any bigger than it is, or that I still have a healthy body, with all the necessary parts.
Instead of wishing that my eyesight was better, I am happy that I am able to see.
Instead of wishing that I had a college degree, I am happy that I’ve been blessed with the ability to learn so much, even without a formal education or a diploma to prove it.
Instead of wishing that my personality was different, I am happy that I had the insight to correct some of my flaws, bringing more peace and serenity into my life.
So, I guess, what I’m trying to say is APPRECIATION is a tremendous part of happiness. And, another major key to happiness is ACCEPTANCE. Add to that a good ATTITUDE toward myself, my life and toward others.
If I ACCEPT all that is brought into my life, and create the best ATTITUDE toward every situation I am faced with (good or bad), and APPRECIATE whatever that is…………Then the happiness for which I so desperately search will magically appear.
In conclusion, simply stated, ACCEPTANCE plus APPRECIATION equals a good ATTITUDE.
Always know that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, and whoever crosses my path, and whatever is happening in my life, is all there because it’s meant to be that way. Resisting reality will not make it anything other than the way it is. Therefore, only in improving my attitude will my reality improve. Develop an attitude complete with acceptance and appreciation. The only miracle to creating happiness is to change my attitude toward each situation in my life.
Often there are outcomes to situations, which are beyond my control. At those times, nothing I can say or do will change the reality of the results.
Understanding this and accepting this will improve my ability to remain in control of my reaction to all situations. This is extremely powerful, providing strength especially during the difficult moments.
So, this is a reminder to myself. The recipe for happiness contains three main ingredients, ACCEPTANCE, APPRECIATION AND ATTITUDE. All of the other good stuff just naturally follows.
If I remember the law of the three A’s, in my reality, my grass will continue to get greener. The grass only appears greener everywhere else. With the essential ingredients for a healthy lawn (ooops!), I mean, for a healthy life, the grass will always look and feel best right in your very own heart.
May 29, 1999
P.S. Shortly after writing this, my life began changing rapidly, with extreme improvements. Without conscious awareness, I was proving my theory.
Without realizing it, my writing had motivated me to practice what I was preaching, which created amazing results. I recaptured a career I had once given up. This time I ended up with a good company who valued my abilities, rewarding my skills with proportionate salary compensation. After 13 years, finally found myself driving a brand new car. This eliminated my concern about wondering if I could reach destinations for which I would start out.
And, best of all, I fell deeper in love and married my best friend. Our families blended as though we were always meant to be together. Since that time, my life has continued to improve. And, I am convinced that it all began with the life’s reminders I wrote about above in May of 1999.
I am confident that the grass is not greener on the other side. If someone doesn’t appreciate and accept what they have on this side of the fence, they will not be able to appreciate and accept what they find on the other side. I believe that my appreciation and acceptance of where I was, has brought me to exactly where I am --- and, it did not lead me to the other side ---
I discovered it all right here in my own back yard!
August 17th, 2002
January 9th, 2006
Ginny
The Daily Gratitude Journal group owner
http://www.cafemom.com/group/23791 
Ginny
The Daily Gratitude Journal group owner
http://www.cafemom.com/group/23791
I took a little boy I do respite for to the pumpkin patch yesterday. Last year he was not allowed to go with his kindergarten class because of his behaviors. Broke my heart. My 6 year old little Joe has ADHD, bi-polar, fetal alcohol and manic depression. Joey and I had a blast. Next week we are going to gut our pumpkin!!!
Because of all the inspirational things I had read here in the past few days I saw him and the patch in a different light. Thank you ladies! Thank you Ginny for this awesome site!!
"what doesn't kill us, will make us stronger"!!!
<3 Monika 
group owner of: "Moms resented by kids for leaving their dad"
"I need to remember that my personal happiness comes from within me, and not from other people or other external sources."
Very true! And with your analogy, I would just like to say, if you're unhappy with the greenness of the grass on your side, try adding fertilizer. A little TLC on yourself will provide magnificent results, as you have illustrated. Bravo!
~Erin
Thank you for sharing this with us Ginny! I really agree with you and it is truly inspirational!!!
Quote:
If someone doesn’t appreciate and accept what they have on this side of the fence, they will not be able to appreciate and accept what they find on the other side.
That is so true. I have discovered in my life that my discontent comes from my own mind. When I look around and have a pity party for my situation. On those days, nothing material or immaterial can make me happy. But on the days when I am wise, I look around at all that I have and I am so thankful. Those days nothing and I mean nothing can get me down!
Ginny, you are very wise and I am grateful to have found this group!! ~Kristen
"Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situtation - some fact of my life - unacceptable to me and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way that it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in Gods world by mistake...unless I can accept life completely on life's terms I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes." BB pg.417
When I get grumpy about life, I remember that ACCEPTANCE is my KEY to happiness, contentment and serenity. Then I pull out my gratitude for the day and roll it around in my head until it begins to fill my heart. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
1. My SON
2. My husband
3. My life
4. My home
5. My car
I could go one but these are my BIG DAILY FIVE that I always keep and remain grateful for.
Jeree
It also brings me to your passage. very beautiful and we thank you for sharing
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- Ginny19
on Oct. 18, 2007 at 8:42 PM