“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.” – Unknown

One thing I really struggle with is focusing on the present. Two weeks ago in Monday’s post I talked about how it is important to focus on what is currently happening around you. I have the tendency to rush through every day constantly thinking about the next day and what may lie ahead.

Along with that is my struggle of not always appreciating what I have right in front of me. This is a type of greed that I wish I didn’t have and I am working to improve it (more on that this week). Whether it is wishing it were time for us to move for residency so we can look for a new house and get out of Nebraska or wanting all of J Crew new arrivals…. I need to appreciate what I already have like our charming house or my closet full of nice clothes.

“Things” and “stuff” will not bring me fulfilling lifelong joy, and they certainly won’t bring me any joy at all if I don’t every take time to appreciate what I already have.

This doesn’t just apply to material things. It works with careers, families, and relationships as well. I am someone who puts a lot of thought into the future. So much so that at times I forget to put effort into the present. I had a melt down the other day thinking about the future and our next 5 years in Nebraska and then I realized that what is more important is that I have a wonderful husband that I get to spend those years with. I stopped stressing and I decided to make us dinner reservations and have a date night. I chose not to let my stress and future planning get in the way of appreciating what was right in front of me.

So take time each and everyday to slow down and appreciate what you already have. That doesn’t mean that you have to stop dreaming and setting goals for the future, but just be sure that while you are dreaming you are still acknowledging the present world around you and all that it entails.