Greener Grass

There’s a familiar saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Just as a farm animal might be seen gazing longingly at the land just beyond its own pasture, we humans may also experience the feeling that something else may be better than what we have. Maybe you can identify with one or more of these possibilities:

-       Others seem to have a nicer house, vehicle, neighborhood, possessions, or employment

-       Another teacher might have been a better “fit” for your son/daughter

-       A change to a new neighborhood, school, or job might provide better resources or fewer frustrations

-       Others don’t seem to struggle as much financially, socially, emotionally, etc.

Sometimes these are legitimate facts. Awareness of “greener grass” in another area might be considered practicality, honesty, or insight. It might spur us on to making healthy changes in our own life. However, it might also be envy, discontent, or jealousy, all of which may cause us to shut down or to make ineffective choices that may harm our ability to grow personally or interpersonally.

How can we be effective in dealing with this tendency to see other things as preferable to what we have? I recently read a revised “greener grass” quote which I think provides valuable insight:

“The grass is always greener where it is watered.”

What a beautiful way to illustrate our Social Incites, LLC motto of “growing personally and interpersonally!” Achieving our goals, being content with what we have, building healthy relationships, growing financially, socially, spiritually, emotionally, etc. all require “watering,” or deliberate tending. Gratitude, respect, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and a variety of intentional strategies are all necessary components of healthy growth within our own “pastures.”

Are there areas in your life that are already flourishing? Be thankful for those today! Are there others that are lacking, and pale in comparison to what you perceive that others have? Find ways to water those each day, and see if you experience growth in one or more of those areas this week!