Are you one of those people who struggle to feel satisfied or content with life? It’s easy to be jealous of others or want more — but one of my favorite authors, Byron Katie, says it best: “I love what I have and I love what I don’t have.” Being satisfied doesn’t have to mean everything in your life is perfect — rather, it’s about being able to look past what isn’t perfect and be happy with what you have.
We’re all guilty of feeling jealous or envious of others. It is bound to happen sometimes — we are human, after all — but you will always find someone who has it better than you, so why even bother with the negativity? Don’t waste your time stressing over what someone else has, especially when it comes to materialistic things. The old adage “money doesn’t buy happiness” is true. Getting upset that you don’t have the brand new Louis Vuitton heels the girl in your office has been prancing around in all week, won’t get you the heels for yourself — it will just waste minutes of your day that could be spent thinking about happy things (like how you’re probably going to go home without sore feet because you got to wear your broken-in flats to work instead). So make a deal with yourself to stop all the comparisons — starting today.
Of course it’s important to have goals: Fulfilling goals gives us a much needed sense of satisfaction. But try to always live in the moment. If you’re bogged down by the past or constantly looking forward to the next thing in your future, you will miss what is going on around you in the present. New and exciting opportunities are out there everyday, but you might miss them if you’re still worrying about the interview you bombed yesterday or dreading the trip to the dentist you have next week.
You’ll feel a lot more satisfaction in life if you’re proud of how you choose to live it. Every day I wake up and count my blessings and really appreciate everything life has to offer. By focusing on the positives more than the negatives, you’ll find yourself living a much more satisfied and content life — regardless of how ‘perfect’ it may or may not be. Perfect is kinda boring anyway, isn’t it?
What are some things you do to keep feeling happy and satisfied?
Music, Reading and singing makes me happy, I spend a lot of time listening to music and singing out loud and when I need some quiet focus time I read a great book right now I am reading a book by Nicholas Sparks called “See Me” Jenny it is so Good I recommend it. I love you Jenny!! Your amazing!!
Is it really you posting this blog?
Actually for your question, I dunno if you’ll be glad to hear it; I just to spite am volunteering in Giv’at Brenner’s dining room till 17.11, which then I’ll begin a three month course in the framework of the army.
I struggle with this because I’m legally blind, cannot drive, have no family and all of my good friends love 2 hours or more from me. But, I know it could be worse. I am thankful for my 2 beautiful healthy children, a loving and supportive husband, a roof over my head and food on the table. I know I have a kind heart and help others when I can. I always think of the quote, “be kind to others because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” ❤️???
Thank you for writing this awesome piece of creativity and thoughtfulness. We all get in the dull drums and I’m feeling this way lately. Things just keep comin at me that are negative and I need a jolt of goodness to invade my troubled soul right now instead…sigh.
I’ve been trying to concentrate on the good things though. I’ve made some goals and am working on one so I’m feeling good about that…it’s called exercising..lol.. I’m doing it and I’m feeling pretty darn hopeful that by this time next year I’ll be in much better shape which will also help me mentally. ..wink and a smile..;)))
Keep up the good creative flow you’ve got goin on here!!! You’re appreciated for it, that’s for suuuure…lol.
Love yeah,
Ancilee Kaye
You can find me on Facebook under Ancilee Kaye if anyone wants to be friends.
Jenny trying to reach you but it wont go through, send me your email please.
Jenny trying to reach you but it wont go through, send me your email please. Trying to reach you regarding the Massachusetts Project. Your mother in law Alma has information for you.
Best regards,
Tracey / Fund Raising Coordinator
Autism Society of Massachusetts
I feel happy when I donate to a good cause like collide who helps homeless people and their animals with free shots
For animals and food.
To feel satisfied you did well
Here is there address
Collide 205 east 7thstreet
Nyny10009 you be glad you did jenny and friends.
Just like everyone else, I find myself from time to time wanting more or being just a bit jealous, especially of all those moms who get to stay at home & spend oodles of time with their kids & maybe spend just a tad of time on themselves! But then I remember that I am surrounded by the blessings of my husband & two amazing little girls. I wish I didn’t have to work so hard to provide them an excellent education, but I want the best for them so I do what I have to do. To take a bit of guilt off my shoulders, I make sure to spend at least 15 minutes of one on one time with each daughter each day. Which is amazing that just that little bit of time makes them feel special & eases my mommy guilt. And for those of you who are thinking wow… only 15 minutes with your kids every day!…. I’m speaking specifically for their one on one time – like reading a book, playing a game, etc. I don’t have my phone with me & ALL of my focus is on them and only them. I clearly see my kids more!
At the end of the day, I’m a happy person because I choose to be happy. All the other wants & desires don’t really matter much because I can say I’m truly thankful for what I do have. I just have to remind myself every now & then (;
Always count your blessings, you may find that you have more than you need!
“Count your blessings – you may find you have more than you need”
I find this more inspiring than the article itself 🙂 Thanks for sharing xx
Well said! I also wake up every day and meditate/pray for 15 minutes before getting out of bed…and trust me I love sleeping but this ritual helps my happiness. It is hard not to compare/be jealous when you have a child on the autism spectrum but I try to focus on what “special” qualities my son has that other children his age don’t…for instance his sweet little voice or how happy he is? Its all about perspective! 😉
My favourite saying is, “If you’re not happy with what you have, how can you be happy with more?”
Thank you, guru Jenny. ?
What is the brand of glasses you are wearing in this photo. Love them. As to feeling happy and satisfied, I find making time for myself alone goes a long way in keeping my mind, body and soul at peace.
I have learn to be content wherever I find myself. Thankfulness is a good tool to remove jealous thoughts. I cannot do both at the same time.
Thank you for this article.