I mentioned last month that I read the book Destination Simple by Brooke McAlary. Her book was about the concept of slow living and really being intentional with your time and your days.
Well, in between some of the chapters she had quotes from famous people that were apropos to what she was discussing. This quote from Dale Carnegie, the best-selling author of the book How To Win Friends and Influence People, really resonated with me:
Powerful quote, right?
I feel as if us humans, especially in this day and age, are always looking for something better. Something more than what we have. A better iPhone, when the one we have is in perfect working order. A bigger house when the square footage we have fits us just fine. A tropical vacation just like the one our friends took on Instagram except bigger and better! And more tropical-ly.
But what about what we have right now? Is it enough? If it isn’t enough, why not?
It reminds me of another quote and I am not sure who originated it, but it goes something like “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side”, which is usually followed up with some adage about “watering your own lawn”. As in, pay attention to what you have, and not what you don’t.
Sure there are things in life we’d like to attain or achieve, that is only natural. But the lamenting about what we do not have or not appreciating what is right in front of us, that can be your proverbial magic garden.
Putting off today for something magically happening in the future, that too, can be your proverbial magic garden.
I know life is not all sunshine and rainbows and unicorns. Life ain’t easy and at times, it can be downright frustrating.
But don’t put off living your life. Don’t wait for someday.
Make someday, today.
We only get one life. We only get one chance to live the life that we truly want.
Don’t put off living. Enjoy those roses blooming outside your window.
There is no magical rose garden over the horizon…
Love this, Mackenzie. I am very, very guilty about putting off living and being happy.. The when I lose X weight. When I find my soulmate. When I have X amount of money. Then and only then life will be good. Those thoughts are always rolling around my head. And I know they are wrong, logically. That I can enjoy life and be happy today with what I have because I have so much. Yet it is one of those lessons that is easier to comprehend than always do, which is why I need reminders like this. To stop daydreaming about what if or someday but to start living and appreciating now. So thank you for reminding me to be grateful and to open my eyes to all the wonder around me today.
Loved your response Tanya 🙂