Are We Ever Satisified?
Do you find yourself looking for the next new adventure or the next good thing? Are you constantly planning your next career move, your next school year, or looking for your next love?
I wonder if we’re ever really satisfied with our life or if we’re always just looking for the next best thing. While looking ahead is never a bad idea, it’s important to stay attached to the now. Do you ever wonder how much of the present you’re missing by focusing on the future?
The problem with always looking ahead though is that you’re missing the great life you’ve got right here, right now. You may miss the joy of that first cup of coffee, or a joke between you and a coworker. You may be surprised when another school year is over and you are left wondering what to do next. You may look back when you’re older and ask yourself “Where DID all the time go?” – especially if, at your age now, you feel that way.
I know I sure as hell don’t want to look back on my day, week or life and wonder, “Where did all that go?? It flew by before I knew it!” I’ve started to consciously remind myself to enjoy the here and now. The future and past are both nonexsistent. You only have now. If you’re unhappy with your now, change it; however, if there’s nothing you can or would change, all you can do is find things to enjoy in the right now.
I encourage you to try it this weekend. While you’re out on your (hopefully 3-day) weekend adventure, stop for just a moment and examine how it feels to be you, and alive. Take a small mental note of how amazing life is – for example, how you feel, of the beautiful parts of your surroundings, or even the simple pleasure of your senses.
We all get a little too focused on the future, just like we are all a little too aware of the past. Your past brought you here, but it’s not you. Your future lies ahead, and you will get wherever you need to be. Have patience, and while you’re waiting, why not enjoy the scenery?
2 Responses to “Are We Ever Satisified?”
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As an aside– I remember recently reading that Gen-Yers are thinking about and looking for their next job within 3 days of starting their current one. I can’t help but think it’s a generational thing for us to constantly be looking for the next bigger/brighter/shinier.
Kate says: Ah yes, can we ever just be content? I think we put ‘content’ and ‘settled’ in the same box so much of the time… and forget that we can be content and happy & joyous now without settling for a life less incredible. Ambition & daily glee = totally possible.
As an aside– I remember recently reading that Gen-Yers are thinking about and looking for their next job within 3 days of starting their current one. I can’t help but think it’s a generational thing for us to constantly be looking for the next bigger/brighter/shinier.
Ah yes, can we ever just be content? I think we put ‘content’ and ‘settled’ in the same box so much of the time… and forget that we can be content and happy & joyous now without settling for a life less incredible. Ambition & daily glee = totally possible.