Every time I feel overwhelmed with feelings of not enough-ness (not enough time, not enough things, enough patience, etc.), I come back to this idea of falling in love with what’s in front of me, what I already have. One of the biggest challenges in my thinking is the desire or even unconscious need to acquire more things, thinking they will bring me joy. 

One of the downsides to this American culture of hard work and striving to always be better is not enjoying what we have. I find myself constantly looking forward and not taking a minute to stop and smell the roses. I don’t always take the time to look around at the life I already have and fully enjoy it. I think this practice is a close companion of gratitude, which I talked about in my last blog. I’ve constantly been told to want more, try harder, and aim higher… but what about enjoying the hard we’ve already put in? What about the things we’ve already bought and the space we already live in?

Lately, I’ve been craving a simpler existence. Maybe because my life has been turned upside down, my brain can no longer keep up. I want to enjoy dinners at home, the clothes in my closet, and even cleaning/tidying the house because taking care of what you have conjures up this pride. 

And I’m not talking about faking satisfaction with what you have or where you are. You can want more and strive for more while still looking around at what you have and being proud. You can be working toward your dream house and STILL be content in the small apartment you’re renting. Making the most of what you have is such an underrated idea. We live in a society where people are embarrassed or even ashamed of the modest house, car, or belongings because it seems like everything in the world has more, better, or nicer.

This month I am challenging myself to fall back in love with what I already have; my home, my clothes, my life. Being present in the mundane daily tasks is a great place to start. Cooking dinner can be one of those things for me. I love cooking but find myself tired and overwhelmed by 6pm, just wanting to get it over with. But when I take a breath, put on my apron (clothes always help me transform my mood), play some music, make a cocktail, and think about what I’m doing, the experience is magical. I’m more grateful, happier, and calmer. 

I challenge you to take one daily task and turn it into a simple pleasure. As they say, the days are long but the years are short and moving unconsciously through life is no way to exist. 

All my love,

jodi x