[July 3, 2007 4:30pm]
I have been spending a lot of time lately pondering whether I want to keep this blog going or give up on it completely. That is just the honest-to-goodness truth of the matter. I started New Leaf Times because I wanted a constructive forum for learning and growing and raising the bar in my own life when it comes to being a mother and a wife. I really feel strongly about being the best I can be for the people that mean the most to me. Anyway, I am just not sure that I am hitting the nail on the head with this thing yet. Perhaps I should give it a bit more time. I am caught between journaling my feelings and providing information that might be of use to others. I would like to accomplish a bit of both.
One way that I would like to work on TURNING A NEW LEAF in my life this week is the idea of "being happy with what you have". I have done some introspection lately and have come to the conclusion that I am just way too restless and really need to take a step back and look at my life and what matters and how happiness is and should be measured. I am happy, don't get me wrong, I am just restless.
One way that I would like to work on TURNING A NEW LEAF in my life this week is the idea of "being happy with what you have". I have done some introspection lately and have come to the conclusion that I am just way too restless and really need to take a step back and look at my life and what matters and how happiness is and should be measured. I am happy, don't get me wrong, I am just restless.
Perhaps this is a journey that we can all share together. I think there is a degree of human nature that has us pining for what we don't have or eagerly looking ahead at the "next step" in our busy lives. For some people these feelings or thoughts that I am describing can reveal themselves in darker ways as envy and jealousy and even sadness or depression. Everyone can probably use some tools for staying grounded and embracing each moment of life in pure happiness of the "present".
Let's begin...
Here is how Wikipedia defines envy:
Envy is an emotion that "occurs when a person lacks another’s superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."[1] At the core of envy seems to be an upward social comparison that threatens a person's self-esteem: another person has something that the envier considers to be important to have. However, what is envied could also be something that is only of personal importance to the envier, even if what the other person has is of little significance in his or her society, or even seen as a sign of inferior status. If the other person is perceived to be similar to the envier, the aroused envy will be particularly intense, because it signals to the envier that it just as well could have been him or her who had the desired object. [2][3].
The word jealous is often used to describe an envious state. In its correct usage, jealousy is the fear of losing something to another person (a loved one in the prototypical form), while envy is the pain or frustration caused by another person having something that one does not have oneself.
In some cultures, envy is often associated with the color green, as in "green with envy". The phrase "green-eyed monster" refers to an individual whose current actions appear motivated by envy. This is based on a line from Shakespeare's Othello.
Let's begin...
Here is how Wikipedia defines envy:
Envy is an emotion that "occurs when a person lacks another’s superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."[1] At the core of envy seems to be an upward social comparison that threatens a person's self-esteem: another person has something that the envier considers to be important to have. However, what is envied could also be something that is only of personal importance to the envier, even if what the other person has is of little significance in his or her society, or even seen as a sign of inferior status. If the other person is perceived to be similar to the envier, the aroused envy will be particularly intense, because it signals to the envier that it just as well could have been him or her who had the desired object. [2][3].
The word jealous is often used to describe an envious state. In its correct usage, jealousy is the fear of losing something to another person (a loved one in the prototypical form), while envy is the pain or frustration caused by another person having something that one does not have oneself.
In some cultures, envy is often associated with the color green, as in "green with envy". The phrase "green-eyed monster" refers to an individual whose current actions appear motivated by envy. This is based on a line from Shakespeare's Othello.
As mentioned, I don't think that envy is actually what I, personally, am dealing with. I do not resent others for what they have or what they have accomplished. At least I try hard not to! I think that we have a certain amount of pre-wiring to these types of thoughts. Perhaps it is the competition factor. I don't know for sure. Probably a good topic for the whole nature vs. nurture debate. I would like to know many of you feel jealous or envious and then how many of you experienced that type of thinking in the home when you were growing up. I think for some, it is a real battle to try to change old habits such as old and negative ways of thinking.
I also think that it is really important, whenever possible, to really share in the joy of other people's triumphs or good fortune. This is line with the Law of Attraction, from the book, The Secret. It really just promotes the positive energy that comes with being happy for others, rather than being angry, jealous, depressed or envious. Makes perfect sense, really. I wanted to add an image to the whole discussion on "envy" - but wasn't sure about copyrights. Found a good one with a link to envy being one of the Seven Deadly Sins. I don't know much about that stuff. Kind of creepy.
Anyway, I think my problem is just being restless. I was really raised "on the go" and tend to still feel...
gotta run
ttyl
[July 3, 2007 10:00pm]
I'm back. I left off talking about envy. I don't have an image to use for this topic, but I thought that something cute like one pet watching another pet eat a delicious treat would be cute. Another good one would be a child watching another child with a huge lolly pop or a gooey, gooey good ice-cream. If you have such an image, I'd love to post it or a link to your site.
Well, I did say that I want to TURN A NEW LEAF and it is true. I want to appreciate the "now" and savour every sweet moment. My life is full with blessings and I would hate to not maximize the enjoyment by being too busy looking ahead.
I just found this article on the Net and thought it was relevant and interesting:
All things considered, it's more fun being rich than poor. However, being successful in money matters is not the same as being successful in life. Having a lot of money or possessions may not even make you happy. Plenty of very wealthy people always seem to want more than they have. If having more isn't always the path to success, consider an alternative.
Happiness and success in money matters (and life) largely depend on whether you are grateful for what you do have.
Happiness and success in money matters (and life) largely depend on whether you are grateful for what you do have.
We all want to have nice things and that's healthy. What's unhealthy is when you don't appreciate what you do have and are endlessly wanting what's new, what someone else has or what you can't afford to have. You may never satisfy your wants.
The key is to have balance in your life. Try to attain your personal and financial goals but make sure you're not paying too high a price in the quest, especially when it comes to financial goals.
Think about people who suffer through a disaster such as a hurricane or an earthquake and their home, their possessions and maybe their business are demolished. Are their lives over? No.
The key is to have balance in your life. Try to attain your personal and financial goals but make sure you're not paying too high a price in the quest, especially when it comes to financial goals.
Think about people who suffer through a disaster such as a hurricane or an earthquake and their home, their possessions and maybe their business are demolished. Are their lives over? No.
Listen to the words of survivors of disasters and you'll hear how "thankful" they are that they and their loved ones survived. It's at moments like these that people appreciate what they do have.
Do you want to be successful? Here's the secret. Do your best, appreciate what you have and you may be richer than anyone you know. Beware of the addiction to always want more.
Wow, that was GREAT. That one spoke to me and I don't think I need to say any more. I will end with a verse that has been on my mind. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This speaks to me because it reminds me to slow down and "be still", to be thankful and to trust in God's grace.
Psalm 46:1-11 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Perhaps you have some good advise or have read a good book on the topic of "being happy with what you have?" Please share your comments and stories here or email me here. Hope to hear from you!
Here is a book I found on Amazon. I have NOT read it and can not offer my review. 
1 comment:
Hey, keep it going.
Give the universe a little bit more time to manifest your goals/dreams.
It is on its way.
Good thought!
-Raymond
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