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I have a problem. I am never satisfied. Now that can be a good thing when it comes to personal development. A high drive to better myself translates to improved relationships but is that enough?

By American standards, I’m not living the high life. I don’t have a big screen television; I don’t even own a television. I have only one car (it’s 11 years old), I live in an apartment and I don’t have health insurance. But don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t have a t.v. because I don’t want one. I live in an apartment because I enjoy a nomadic existence (7 moves in 10 years) and that old car has gotten me everywhere I’ve wanted to go, without a car payment. As for the health insurance, well thank God I’m healthy. I can’t remember the last time I was sick and without an affordable remedy.  So, what I DO have is my health, shelter, friends who love me, a job, a book that consistently sells, food to spare and enough in my bank account to be able to give to those in need. And yet I’m not satisfied?

I’m finally embracing that gratitude is one key to inner peace. Learning to be happy (satisfied) with what I have. It may not compare to what other people have but what of it? I’ve been looking at it like a contest and that’s a big part of the problem. Constantly comparing self to others leads to a never-ending cycle. And if I do play to win, what would winning look like? It’s NOT a competition. There will always be someone smarter, prettier, wealthier and more spiritual. Having aspirations and goals is important. It becomes a problem when it keeps me from presently appreciating my many blessings.

Right now, times are tough in the U.S. But having been fortunate enough to travel abroad (3 months this year), I’ve seen first hand what REAL tough times look like; and we’re not talking economic downturn. And maybe it doesn’t make sense to compare apples to oranges since we believe we have a right to better and more. However, you don’t have to look too far past your neighborhood to see that you’ve got it good. Not as a comparison but simply as a reminder. Just as this post is a reminder to me to be thankful cause I’ve got it good! And that IS enough. 

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