You choose what your outlook on life is.
I could be really thankful about not starving to death right now. I could be really jealous that I’m not world famous. Or I could just focus on the beautiful little pieces of my life that have nothing to do with anyone else but me. It depends on the angle one takes in how they choose to view their life.
Nobody else is exactly like me, and thus nobody else has my life. And boy, with a positive perspective, I truly do have a great life, a unique life. I feel intelligent, I’m exploring and discovering. We all have our strengths. So why should I (or you) feel unhappy about my life?
Because humans naturally compare with others. I want what THEY have, and I wish I had
You’re looking at a wad of happiness, if our judgements are anything to go by. (Photo credit: 401(K) 2012)
HIS haircut, or HER smile, or THEIR popularity, or THAT PERSON’S wealth. You don’t even have to know them. Just to know what they have, and a judgement/reaction to it. I want what I can’t have.
We all do it – identify something another has, and immediately wish it was our own. We all know what jealousy and envy feel like. Frankly, it sucks. But it’s a part of being human. Yes, when it comes to blogging, sometimes I wish my blog were more like those amazing, popular blogs. Do you realize how many readers read every one of their words? How can I not want that??
In one moment, I went from loving my life, to yearning for it to be different, for it to be more. Out goes my appreciation, my thankfulness that I am who I am, much less that I’m not starving to death. Why did this happen?
It happens, because our eyes are glued on others. We target and focus on the things we wish we had. Maybe we think those things would make us happier. Maybe we think those things would make life easier. Maybe they do. But there is one thing that we have all thought, regarding these material things, a thought that is completely untrue. A thought that needs to be banished from our minds as soon as possible:
The idea that these things make our life be more. It’s such an easy misconception to make. With a better car, I would be living a richer life. With a prettier wife, I would be living a more pleasurable life. I know that some people live viewing things that way, and I’m here to tell you that you can’t be more wrong.
There’s Kim Kardashian… with all her fame and wealth, she should be living in a state of perpetual bliss, right? (Photo credit: BiggerPictureImages.com)
The quality of your life, the true essence of it, is not decided by material objects. Yes, we live in a material world, but I believe we’re here to learn about stuff that isn’t physical at all. I think you know what I’m talking about.
Quality of life isn’t based on who has the most. I know low-income families that are infinitely happier and closer as people than wealthy households. So I would say their quality of living is actually far higher. It’s the stuff you can’t buy that makes all the difference. And I know that my family has the emotional wealthiness, the spiritual richness that is completely foreign to families like the Kardashians. I believe we’re living more emotionally and spiritually rich life, simple as that.
That’s why I think we need to keep our eyes on our own feet, on our own journey, more
Christian Louboutin heels. Not too shabby (although I prefer, I don’t know, vans?) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
than anyone else’s – whether those feet have shiny Christian Louboutin shoes, sandals, or are bare all together. It’s our own progress that our attention and focus should be on, not on obsessing over others. Your life will improve if you dig deep, if you’re always asking questions and exploring, if you’re not fixating on others or comparing what you have. Shiny shoes won’t do a thing (yes I know they look nice, but will they help you grow? I thought so). I believe material pleasures should only be indulged upon for yourself, with balance. I like looking nice, but not because I want to look better than Beckham, although I wouldn’t mind that…. Argh, you get what I mean, moving on!
I guess the point of this piece is to say that I’m glad my life isn’t perfect. The obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get where I am now have taught me so much. It’s about the journey, not the destination, right?They’ve made me who I am, and to be ungrateful about my life is to forget about what a beautiful person I am. I honestly think I’m happier now than if I was a child star on some TV show. To further add to my point, I heard of many of them later becoming depressed and reckless in their lives.
I am learning to be happy with my existence, with my own journey’s progress, and no one else’s. It’s hard to do, I like to compare. I feel jealous sometimes, yes, but I’m trying to change that. At least I’m not alone in this struggle.
I’m glad my life isn’t perfect. Because I know that deep down, I’m perfect anyway, within my own imperfections.
–mrprose
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Deep Thinkings 
I think that it is okay to want what someone else has, but not be jealous about it. The Kardashians would make me so mad, with their fake lives. They may have everything tht money could buy, but how many meaningful relationships do they have in their lives? People are beginning to see their phoniness.
Awhile ago, I got an iphone because I thought that if I had one, people would look at me better. After finding out that I hated the phone, I thought Why would people use this to make themselves look better? It’s a phone. It really doesn’t matter. I think that if we work on jealousy, we can grow out of it. Last year when I got a new jeep, I wanted to showboat it to my family and friends. This year when I got a new vehicle, I honestly didn’t care who knew or not. I didn’t post pics on Facebook for everyone to be jealous of. I bought the truck because I loved it for me, not to show off. And I am so happy with my life right now. And it doesn’t have to do with my truck, car, or house. It has to do with my relationship with my husband and kids.
It is sad that we live in a consumerism-driven country. Too many people are empty on the inside and try to fill the empty void with things. And instead of fixing relationshps with the people closest to them, they throw them away ande find something new, especially when the problem is within themselves.
You’re totally right. I hope you enjoyed what I wrote.
Hi! Thankyou for your likes on my blog. Your blog is amazing!! Keep continuing your blog, you’re an inspiration.
Thank you!
A nice post. It reminds me of this scripture where Paul writes:
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 NASB)
Very true. Thanks for reading.
My life would be perfect for me if it was peaceful and calm! And you are right materials won’t make us happier! 🙂
From your writings I can tell that you’re perfect! Believe me! Nowadays, most of guys at your age don’t think that way!
I know, and thank you, but I think I’m far from having a perfect life, and that is only my own fault (how I choose to perceive this world). Once I am happy and completely at peace when I have nothing, when, by society’s standards, I am nothing, then I believe I will be living a perfect life.
Yes, you’re right! 🙂
Glad you agree. We need to look at life positively.
super like! I know so many people that could learn a lesson or two from this post. Someone needs to beat this thought into every person’s head!
Hah, agreed. Feel free to share, I would’ve appreciated someone sharing this to me. Thanks for the kind words.
Spot on. It’s about having an attitude of gratitude for what we have.
Yes I think it’s all about that actually.
Such thought provoking words. I struggled for some time thinking I had to be this, that or the other proverbial thing in order to find a perfect life. But I no longer waste time doing that for as you so aptly said ‘I’m glad my life isn’t perfect. Because I know that deep down, I’m perfect anyway…’ Jen
I’m really glad i touched you with my words, and am even happier that you spent the time to comment. Truly, thank you.
I need to read this every day. Very motivational. Thank you for this. I also love the way you finished it, stating you are perfect within your own imperfections.
Thank you, and I hope you do! It’s very warming to hear those things, so thank you.
Hello dear mrprose,
Indeed you are perfect deep down, as we all are… even the Kardashians, if you see what I mean 😉
Equating someone’s behavior with who that person really is (mental labeling) creates limitations on the person and on yourself. A mental projection prevents you from seeing the reality as it is.
Behaviors change, our true nature doesn’t.
Peace to you.
I agree, and although I was making a shallow comment, I was just trying to make a point. A point on how I see society as being a bit backward, as being led in the wrong direction in terms of bringing humanity forward.
I see what you mean and it was not a shallow comment, but only one aspect of society (mainly conveyed by the media), not always representative of reality…
Besides, there might be no such thing as “the wrong direction”, only the movements of One consciousness…
But I agree that sometimes we can get caught up in doubt (mostly when confronted with highly unconscious behavior or observing it…).
Peace to you, beautiful soul.
Peace to you too, thank you for stopping by.
You let me inspire to do more writings. I’m just so speechless. You are indeed a very versatile blogger. Keep it up ! And God bless you… 🙂
I’m so pleased that I was able to inspire you. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy what comes in the future.
You’re welcome. =))
Beautiful post! The times in my life when I have felt that I’m content, even proud of the journey I have had, with all bumps on the road, are the times when I have achieved the most. I think that’s true, because when you appreciate what you have, each new addition makes you happy and ecstatic, and when you compare with someone else you keep remembering all the things you are missing until you get there…It’s not a good way to live…though lately, I am yet to re-learn that. xox, Atlanta
Thank you for reading and commenting! I very much agree, this is all tough stuff.