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The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence"A child on a farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse and dreams of home." - Carl BurnsIt is very easy for us to compare our lives with that of others. It is almost second nature at times to look at what someone else has and think that our lives would be better if only we had that too. It could be money, fame, power, position, good looks, talent, possessions, popularity, family, friends, just about anything. This is a very dangerous trap to fall into for many reasons. One of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming that these things are what makes that person happy and hence will make us happy as well. More times than not, the exact opposite is true. "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others." - Anon There is nothing wrong with trying to improve your life. Self-improvement is a great way to make your life fresh and interesting, even exciting. But there are some rules that must be followed: 1. Never compare yourself with others. Focus on your life and your life alone. Don't try to be like someone else, instead concentrate on becoming a better version of yourself. And don't concern yourself with trying to be better off than someone else. If you do, you will never be satisfied because there will always be someone who is better off than you (at least in your mind). Instead focus on the areas of your life that you would like to improve and take the steps necessary to make it so. Don't pressure yourself, but instead concentrate on making gradual improvements. Self-improvement should be an ongoing life-long process not a quick fix. "Envy comes from people's ignorance of, or lack of belief in, their own gifts." - Joan Didion 2. Enjoy the process and enjoy your life. Don't allow yourself to be so consumed with the betterment of your life that you forget to stop and smell the roses. Striving without taking the time to appreciate and enjoy your current condition is meaningless. As the saying goes, life is a journey not a destination. "It is common to overlook what is near by keeping the eye fixed on something remote." - Samuel Johnson 3. Keep your priorities in order. God, family, health, friends, etc. must not play second fiddle to your pursuits. All of this holds true with your marriage as well. Don't look at the sweet couple holding hands in the park and wish that your relationship would be like theirs. You have no idea what their relationship is like. Instead, do the actions that are required to make your marriage the best that it can be. ********** Darren and Donna McNees are Authors of "The 21 Day Marriage Makeover: How to transform your marriage into one filled with more love, affection, fun and happiness." To experience your Marriage Makeover or to get your free bi-weeky newsletter containing proven yet simple advice designed to enrich your life and energize your marriage go to www.21DayMarriageMakeover.com. *********** Copyright © 2004 Darren & Donna McNees. Reprint permission is granted if the article is used in its entirety including all of the contact information above.
Exercise Resistance - Emotional barriers that keep you from losing weight! Getting started on an exercise program is one thing. Staying on it is the bigger challenge. We have all been there. New Years Eve comes around and wham! Instant motivation! It is only a small percentage however that sticks with it. Why? When you hear the term exercise resistance you of course think of strength training with weights, don't you? Well, it can also mean something else. The phr. . .
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