You've Already Got It

First we want a thing, and then we pursue the thing.  When we get it, we want the thing to be another thing or we want a new thing all together.

Wanting, pursuing, then wanting again keeps life fresh and inspires us to continually reach new levels of contentment and satisfaction… ideally.  We sometimes allow our wants to eclipse the joys that are right before us – begging to be indulged in and appreciated.

What is it about you that’s making you want the things you want?

Your Trash was Once Your Treasure

Remember how you thought a part of You would be complete with the things you now want to change? While you’re focused on all that you want, there’s someone else wishing for a taste of what you already have.

Ask the couple that can’t conceive and desperately want a child how they would deal with round-the-clock feedings, crayon on the wall, and poopy diapers.  Ask them what they would give to experience temper tantrums, financial sacrifice and the moody ebb and flow of adolescence.  If they could just bring forth that precious life and celebrate a humanly extension of their love.

The breadwinner that has lost their job would welcome your never-ending commute, the chaotic work flow and your worrisome boss.  They’d find your shitty cube quite inspiring and your boring meetings would bring out their best work.  If they could just land a job, like yours.

Lonely, unattached Souls looking for love would be content to step over the dirty clothes; they’d find comfort in the routine chit-chattery and would respond to the midnight callings of their beloved with the enthusiasm of a teen-aged boy – headaches and exhaustion aside.  If they could just be with a partner – like yours.

That homeless guy you barely notice on the curb would love to lay in the bed you hate to make, in that house you’re tired of maintaining and would give anything to have to get up and mow the lawn on Saturday.  If he could just have a house – like yours.

The people waiting at the bus stop would feel fabulous in the crappiest car you’ve ever owned.  If they just had a car – like the one you had.

That malnourished family that’s wondering when they’ll eat again would enjoy every aspect of shopping for and cooking that wholesome meal you’d rather pay McDonald’s to cook for you. The process of sorting, washing and folding of all that laundry you hate to do would hold the excitement of Christmas morning for them. If they just had access to fresh food and nice clothes – like you do.

Even those who find themselves lonely, childless, jobless, homeless, hungry and carless have reasons to celebrate and things to treasure.  They too have qualities, talents and frames of mind that seemingly more advantaged people wish they had.  When they become attached, have kids, a job, a home, plenty of food and a car, they too will want more.

We are all always wanting.

What is it about you that’s making you want the things you want?

Look at What You’ve Done

When you tire of what you have and you want something more or new, think of how much you once wanted before you had what you have.  Look at what you’ve created.

Notice all the ideas, objects, people, works of art and processes that would not even exist without you. The impacts of your existence deserve your recognition – no matter how small or large; just as the details of what needs to happen to honor what you’ve created deserves your attention and appreciation.

Take stock. Live, do, be and love the life you find your Self in by cherishing the things you already have – they are a glorious reflection of your contribution to the World.

Simply do You.