"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," Oscar Wilde. My life has been a state of wanting, always chasing after something new, something better. But what if the secret to a fulfilling life lies not in acquiring more but in cherishing what's already ours?
The Relentless Pursuit of 'More'
My life has been a series of checkboxes waiting to be ticked off— university, a loving relationship, a successful business. My focus was always on the next thing, rarely pausing to appreciate the present moment.
A Shift in Perspective: The Practice of Gratitude
Then, I learnt about developing a gratitude practice. I began to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. At the beginning, my gratitude list consisted of the day's highlights, the 'good' things that were easy to appreciate.
Gratitude for the 'Unpleasant'
But recently I read a blog post from an old mentor sharing to be grateful for the 'unpleasant' experiences as well.
* Financial business challenges became an opportunity to explore financial resilience.
* Low engagement content becomes a lesson of learning to create more valuable content.
* High stress levels served as a catalyst for healthier habits.
The outcomes, whether favourable or not, were secondary. The real reward was the personal growth and self-discovery that came from facing these challenges.
The Beauty of 'Wanting What You Have'
Now, I find myself more regularly in a state of contentment, wanting not just what's beyond me but also what's before me. This isn't a dismissal of ambition; it's an enriched way of experiencing life, moment by moment.
Wisdom Across Ages
Other thought leaders who offer related advice:
* Confucius: "We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one."
* Viktor Frankl: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
* Maya Angelou: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
A Significant Shift
This perspective has been a game-changer for me. It may not resonate with everyone, but if we remember that "the present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it," as Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, then let us find joy in both our pursuits and our possessions.
Thank you for reading. If this perspective resonates with you, feel free to share it with others who might find it valuable.
