How You Can Be Happy with What You Have Right Now
It's easy to take things for granted as life goes by. While our lives — jobs, home, belongings — may trickle in slowly, we tend to get used to them pretty quickly. As a result, we always want the next latest and greatest thing, whether it be a gadget, new clothes, or possibly even a new job or relationship.
Because we can fall into the cycle of wanting more, it can become frustrating when we're stuck with what we've got. After all, you work hard, you've put in the effort, so why don't you seem to have it as good as other people?
The key here is not to accumulate more belongings or endlessly search for the next thrill. Instead, we must learn to be happy with what we have right here, right now — here's how to get comfortable with this notion.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a powerful technique that we often associate with anxiety. However, mindfulness is a practical tool that everyone can practice, and it helps you stay present at the moment.
The next time you feel overwhelmed or frustrated about what you don't have, take a step back and take a deep breath. Focus on a positive aspect of your life — however big or small — and embrace it. You may focus on your kids, your job, your spouse, or even one of your favorite foods. When you take a moment to be mindful of a good aspect of your life, it makes the things that you don't have seem much more insignificant.
Consider Avoiding Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide ways for us to connect with loved ones and strangers alike. There are plenty of positive aspects to social media, but unfortunately, there are plenty of downsides.
One of the biggest negatives is the fact that social media can be very misleading. When we scroll through our feed and see people living seemingly perfect lives, taking frequent vacations or enjoying extravagant food, it can activate feelings of insecurity about our own lives. If you ever feel this way, remember that social media only offers a small glimpse into someone's life — and it's a glimpse that they may tweak to look perfect. No one's life is perfect, though social media may convince us otherwise.
If scrolling through your feed makes you feel bad about your life, consider ditching social media. Not only will you be able to be more present at the moment, but you'll start to appreciate your life and all its little, seemingly mundane moments.
Surround Yourself with Positive Relationships
Because humans are social creatures, we tend to absorb energies and attitudes from those around us. Naturally, if the people around us are always complaining about their lives, it may affect how we think about our own lives.
By making a conscious effort to form more positive relationships, you're taking a step to be more positive in your life. Much like kindness and happiness, gratitude can be contagious too. Surround yourself with people who are happy with what they have. Even if it isn't much, and you may start to feel similarly about your own life.
Enjoy the Little Things
You may have heard this many times before, but that's because it's good advice. In our lives, it's easy to get caught up in what we don't have. However, by taking time each day to appreciate the little things, you'll slowly realize just how full your life truly is. Take time to note the happy little occurrences throughout your day, like a pleasant conversation, a delicious meal, or a good movie.
By slowing down, enjoying the small things, and focusing on what you do have, you can find true happiness in your life. It's okay to want new things or to have aspirations, but be mindful of when aspiration becomes excess. More than anything else, try to find the positives in life, and soon enough, you'll feel happy and content with what you have right now. Let’s talk more about creating happiness soon. Read about anxiety therapy and contact me soon for a consultation.