We live in a world of, “I’ll have what she’s having” or I think the phrase used to be, “Keeping up with the Jones’” or is it Kardashians now??? Did you know constantly thinking this way is actually called the Grass is Greener Syndrome? It’s a real thing! Assuming the grass is always greener means you have an inability to feel content with your life and are always searching for something better. Because of this, you begin to have self-doubt and believe there is something you are missing out on. And, I’m sure you’ve come down with a case before. I know I have.
The truth is, focussing on what you don’t have and longing for what others appear to have is a recipe for disaster. We are never truly happy when we have Grass is Greener Syndrome; it’s a fact. An unknown author once said, “If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is.”
So what causes this Grass is Greener Syndrome? It may be having too many choices. It could be our increased exposure to the internet and social media. Or, it might just be the way some of us are wired. Whatever the cause may be, it’s important to realize that “having it all” is nothing but a fantasy.
This week, if some Grass is Greener thoughts begin to creep into your head, pause for a beat and try one or more of the following self-care tips.
Be grateful: Focus on what you have, rather than what’s not there. And, if you find yourself dwelling on someone and the things they have that you lack, balance your thoughts with an acknowledgment of something positive you do have.
Narrow your choices: One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to was on my honeymoon. Why? Because they didn’t have menus, which meant we had no choice on what to order. We got one appetizer, our main course, and one dessert. It was amazing and it turns out I didn’t need pages and pages of options.
Be in the moment: Think about what John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Soak up the here and now.
Limit your time online: The internet is prime with the potential for triggering the Grass is Greener Syndrome. And, it eats up your time.
Tend to your own patch of grass: As Breathe Magazine reminded me, “Your grass is yours. Look after it, nurture it, water it, and give it everything that it, and you, deserve.”
Steepers, don’t be so wrapped up in looking at someone else’s lush green grass that yours withers away under your feet.
Yours tea•ruly,
Pam
