Know How Good You

Why is it that what someone else has usually seems to look, taste, feel, sound and smell better than what we have?

For example, I notice that I illustrate this point a lot when I’m dining out with my husband. Although I usually like what I have, the dish he orders always seems to look and taste (yes, I just have to have a bite) better. But the truth is that his dish isn’t usually better than mine, just different, and in my mind at that moment, different equals better. But then I settle into my own meal and discover that it, too, is quite tasty.
           
It’s been my experience that this type of irrational reasoning is true for many of us. We tend to think the grass is greener on the other side, and greener grass equals better grass. Or at least it seems that way until we get to the other side, look back and discover that our grass was already pretty green and easier to keep.
           
This type of back-and-forth thinking robs us of our peace. We can never feel content with ourselves or our lives as long as we keep coveting the lives and possessions of someone else who we think has it better.
           
It’s not the easiest habit to break, but it’s well worth it to try. Only then will we be able to fully appreciate the abundance of blessings that already exists in our lives.
           
As I continue my own inner work towards fully appreciating my already-green grass, I try to constantly remind myself of simple truths that I have discovered along the way. When I remember them, I feel a lot more grateful for the life I have and all that comes with it. Maybe they’ll help you, too. Here are a few of those simple truths:
1.      Everything in your life was created just for you. It’s all necessary for your continued existence and growth.
2.      In essence, people are people—created the same. None more. None less. Only our circumstances, choices and talents differ.
3.      No matter how good other people seem to have it, if I lived their lives instead of my own, I’d have to live their problems, too. No thanks.
4.      Although I don’t have everything I want, I have everything I need and then some. God has seen to it.
5.      Things are not always the way they seem. What appears to be better may actually be worse in disguise.
 
I’m sure you can add significantly to this list, because, no doubt, God has blessed you abundantly as he has me. The key is to remember our blessings and how good we’ve got them, especially when we’re thinking someone else has it better. When we do, we will discover peace to be the greatest blessing of all.
 
Lovingly,
Cynthia
 

About Cynthia Legette Davis

My heart's desire is for us to each experience more peace, balance and joy in our lives and among each other on an ongoing basis. I try to do work that contributes to that in one way or another. Toward that intent, I have written and published two books and a workbook. They are "Peace Be Still: Inner Healing for Racial Harmony;" it's companion workbook, "Peace and Racial Harmony Inside Out," and "I Know How You Feel." All are available at www.peaceinus.net. My newest book, "Peace Tips for Life," is due out in October 2011. I also provide workshops, seminars and keynotes related to life balance and personal peace. I am president and founder of Legette Communications and publish LeisureFun.net, a comprehensive online guide to local community events in South Carolina. My philosophy is: "When people come together positively, great things happen." LeisureFun.net makes it easy for people to find more ways to "come together positively" by providing extensive listings of hundreds of local community events in one place.

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4 Responses to Know How Good You

  1. Achievexcel March 15, 2009 at 12:18 am #

    Cynthia

    Thank you for your Inspiration

    and initiatives in seeking to

    enlighten us with the above meaningful information

    Wishing you a Vision filled with

    Wisdom and Happiness always

    Love & Light

    God Bless

    Vashi

    http://thesoulspeaks.wordpress.com/

  2. workoutgurl March 15, 2009 at 8:38 am #

    I have just joined this website, and this is the first article I have read. I must tell you that you have spoken to my heart. I have had a long life of feeling unfinished, unworthy and lacking. I intend to stop and take a look at myself and begin reframing the messages that scroll through my mind…to be grateful.

  3. Cynthia Legette Davi March 16, 2009 at 12:20 pm #

    Kay, it means so much to me that you found this article helpful. May God continue to strengthen you in your life's journey.

    Lovingly,

    Cynthia

  4. Cynthia Legette Davi March 16, 2009 at 12:22 pm #

    Vashi, I receive your good wishes in the spirit in which they are given–with love and light.

    Thank you so much.

    Lovingly,

    Cynthia