On WritingExplained.org, the phrase, “The grass is always greener on the other side” is defined as such: “When someone is not satisfied with their own lot in life and always assumes that there are better things in other places.”
Sound like anyone you know?
I can think of a handful people off the top of my head. Actually, on occasion, I’d group myself into that category.
I think a lot of us subscribe to the notion that “the grass is always greener” as we’ve become a society who spends far too much time worried about what other people have when compared to what our own lives might be lacking.
My wife and I have remained fairly confined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some might consider us overly cautious, and that’s just fine with us. But it’s been during our time of isolation that I’ve been afforded the time to reflect.
My reflections have forced me to accept the reality that I’ve fallen victim to the notion of the grass is always greener on the other side whenever I’m out in a superficial society which is often more about show than authenticity.
But that hasn’t been the case during isolation. Suddenly, I’m thinking less and less about what my life might be lacking and instead finding a deep appreciation for all the blessings I have right now.
In Richard Carlson’s book, Easier Than You Think …Because life doesn’t have to be so hard, he says, “Instead of thinking that the grass is always greener on the other side, why not tell yourself that the grass is as green as it needs to be.”
In other words, be happy, satisfied and appreciative with where your life is and remind yourself daily that the grass is as green as it needs to be right here and right now.
Author Richelle E. Goodrich writes, “Even if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, keep to your own side; it’s where you belong. There you can plant your own grass and tend to it.”
Now more than ever, it’s time to start showing your appreciation for what’s already on your side of the fence.
