The Grass Is Greener...

Do you know the cliche:

“The grass is always greener on the other side?”

Yes, I know the phrase is hackneyed;  overused. But it's a good way to introduce a couple of comments on the subject of discontentment.

You see, it's all about the pursuit of something better - something that you are currently missing out on. Perhaps it's something owned by your neighbours, so literally on the other side of the fence. They have the latest thing - so you need it too! So, rather than you striving to reach a point of stability or satisfaction in your present surroundings or situation, you're looking elsewhere. 

It may not even be a possession. You may be looking for another place to live, another job, another partner.

The problem? Often, you simply don't have the whole picture. This "greener grass" thing may only be a fantasy. Sure, it's terrific to daydream for a while about a new house or car, but when you start telling yourself that its acquisition is the only way you're ever going to be happy, that's dangerous thinking.

Pretty soon, all you'll do is wake every morning with the same dream.  You change that one thing, everything will be so much better.  And part of this fantasy is that everything else will stay the same. 

And if you do it? If it ends up happening? Sure, there is a “honeymoon period" where everything is OK. And then, the niggles return.  Something else doesn't fit. You're off again. Putting the blame for your own discontent onto something or someone else. Perhaps, you'll never be satisfied...

The other evening, one of my officers shared with me this reworded phrase:

"The grass is always greener where you water it."

Think of your lawn. The grass always starts out a nice shade of green, however its beauty fades with use. The lawn needs to be maintained in order to stay nice. It needs cutting, weeding. In hot weather it needs regular watering.

The dull green (or even brown) grass on our side of the fence shows us areas where we need to do some work. It would be so much greener if we take time and effort to nurture it. The neighbour's green grass on the other side of the fence (which we assume comes with little or no effort) is an illusion.

Also, ask yourself: Will the grass ever be green enough for you?

One to ponder on.