Lately, I've been making an effort to practice gratitude, i.e. being thankful for what I have. I've been amazed at the difference it's making in my life. I've spent a lot less time shopping, feeling discontent, and comparing myself to others.
I really noticed improvement a few weeks ago when the hubs and I went to a fancy open house. The home we visited was large and beautiful--easily magazine worthy. The old me would have hounded and pestered the hubs all weekend about how we need a new bigger house, and how we need to make more money. The new content me was able to admire the beautiful home we visited, then joyfully go back to our little humble abode. I'm proud of the changes I'm making, they are leading to true peace of mind, which I'm finding to be priceless. What about you? Can you window shop without envy? Are you content with what you have?
If you are not content today, there is nothing you can buy tomorrow to change that.” ~Joshua Becker 
Magazine worthy is in the eye of the beholder, isn't it? Those pictures above would certainly qualify in my mind! I try hard to practise gratitude although it is not always easy! I used to love to shop, but then I found I loved it too much and it was always on to the next thing, so avoiding the stores has proven healthy for me, both spiritually and economically! I avoid open houses for the same reason! I am ever mindful that for 3/4 of the planet, we live like Kings and queens!
ReplyDeleteI used to be caught up in the on to the next thing cycle. In the end it was really unfulfilling because the thrill of something new would only last a short while. Sometimes I window shop to make sure I stay strong in controlling my wants. I fail ever now and again, but for the most part appreciating what I have has broken the cycle.
DeleteI find that there are always people who are going to have so much more than you; but there are so many more who have so much less, so when I put it in perspective I feel quite content. Your house looks so charming and personal.
ReplyDeletePerspective is key. It's easy to get so caught up in what you don't have that you can't see what you do have.
DeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to meet you!
You are definitely richer for realizing that material possessions, no matter how many we accumulate, can never really fill the space in our hearts, or give us peace of mind. For me, the happiness equation depends on two digits: to love and be loved, and of course that goes hand in hand with good health.
Thanks for stopping by neck of the woods!
Have a lovely week,
Poppy
happiness=to love and be loved. That pretty much sums it up. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteAm quite content actually. Living in London you get all sorts and even though there's stress for me I see everyone is stressed no matter what! This is so important and would cause fewer problems if people were more content...
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. A lot of problems would go away if people were content.
DeleteI'm grateful...but still play with my furnishings all the time...even just moving them around can make you feel like you have a new home...that and fresh flowers!
ReplyDeleteMary Ann that is so true. I do the same thing all the time. I can't help but fiddle with things every few weeks or so. It's amazing how small changes can make a space feel very different.
DeleteI see you are reading Brother David. Have you subscribed to their wonderful positive email Word for the Day email service? I get a healthy, positive-focused gratitude quote every morning and it helps so much. as with your other posters above, I find that not comparing things & possessions helps so much on our road to contentment. Your home is lovely, warm and looks welcoming & full of love. Good on ya!
ReplyDeleteDiane in Denver
Thanks Diane. I don't think I'm familiar with Brother David. I do appreciate getting inspiring words, so will look into the email service.
DeleteSo true. I love your Joshua Baker quote - hadn't heard that one before. I'm sure you've heard the one from Teddy Roosevelt - Comparison is the thief of joy.
ReplyDeleteI love that Teddy Roosevelt quote. It tells a very important lesson.
DeleteI heard that the difference between those who are content and those who are not, is not that the content are richer, more beautiful or smarter. They are just grateful for what they have. Whereas those who aren't happy always want more. Gratitude is a wonderful thing to practise. We live like kings compared to most of the people in the world. We don't go to sleep fearing for our lives. We don't go to sleep hungry. We are safe and warm and surrounded by our loved ones. How lucky we are!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is delightful!
thanks Emma. I've been finding it amazing how easy it has been in the past for me to overlook the many privileges you mentioned. Now I try to intentionally take a moment out to be grateful for such things.
DeleteWhat wise words Joshua Becker spoke. I do think, like My Notting Hill, that comparison is the thief of joy. Constantly measuring yourself up against what others have is such a futile pastime, much better to rejoice in what you have. We are all individuals. Mind you, I can't help lusting after that colourful sofa in the fifth photo down.... xxx
ReplyDeleteLol......that sofa is quite lovely. It's even better in person.
DeleteYou know, I am really blessed. I can go look at something that I absolutely cannot EVER afford, and enjoy every single second of it!! Not everyone is that way. I love getting ideas from what others have done, and figuring out how to do something similar in my home (and hopefully for way less money haha!) Your home is beautiful! Can't wait to explore a little more around your blog. Thanks so much for visiting mine. Blessings from Missouri!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes what a blessing it is to be able to appreciate without envying. I'm like you, I enjoy the thrill of replicating beautiful high-end spaces on a budget. The challenge of working with limited funds forces you to be more creative.
DeleteGratitude is such a game-changer, isn't it, friend. It gives us a right perspective and helps us realize how deeply we are blessed.
ReplyDeleteAnd Josh Becker? Always so profound and practical.
Good to visit with you here again!
;-}
Hi Linda. Glad you are back online! I once read a saying I believe it is by Oprah Winfrey where she says, "gratitude turns everything into enough." That's very true.
DeleteSo beautiful and heartwarming!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
Delete