The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It: How To Enjoy Where You Are Right Now
August 13, 2021Listen to the audio or read through — whichever way you like to learn best!
Ahh, summertime. Local storefronts are open, nearby hiking trails are begging to be explored, and there are fun activities to participate in around every corner.
So why do we always seem to make summer plans that involve crossing state lines or taking a plane to an exotic destination?
We’re searching for something.
If you’re like me, what you’re looking for isn’t familiar. It’s new, different, and often outside the physical boundaries of your own city. You’re on the hunt for something exhilarating or rejuvenating.
You know that old adage, “The grass is greener where you water it?” I think it applies to this situation well.
If your grass is more sparse than succulent right now, this might be the reason why.
You’re not taking advantage of your current environment
I’m a big fan of exploring and, every few months, you can find me galavanting off to a new, exciting destination hours away to do just that.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The White Mountains in New Hampshire. Portland, Maine. Denver, Colorado. These are all breathbreaking areas, but this tendency of mine to seek out big adventures far from home got me thinking...
Do I REALLY need to go to these places to get away? Or can I find something as beautiful and refreshing near where I live?
Similarly, when you look at what’s around you in your home… Do you REALLY want to move into a bigger house OR are you searching for happiness in something new or different, hoping it’s better than your current reality?
Here’s what I think: Going somewhere isn’t as important as enjoying where you are fully.
Happiness is a choice. If we look outside of ourselves for happiness, we will never achieve it. This is because there’s always something “better” out there than what we have.
To transform your browned blades into a lush lawn, you have to tend to and appreciate what’s right in front of you.
Gratitude makes your grass greener
An attitude of gratitude helps with this. Here are two ways I was recently challenged to water the grass in my own backyard:
During a Cicada Reflection Walk in Gunpowder State Park
Kayaking on Dundee Creek in Essex
I did the reflection walk with Cait of Right to Be Relevant. I forgot how close this park was to me since it was closed during the pandemic. It was eye-opening to visit again and reminded me I don’t have to go far to have a good time.
Also, kayaking has been on my list of things to do for forever, but I never make time for it. It’s one of those activities that feels like I have to travel far away to enjoy. Until one random day I went and rented kayaks at a spot 20 minutes from my house in Baltimore... I couldn’t believe how easy (and close) it was!
The kayaking trip especially helped me realize the pressure we put onto ourselves. To do it big, bold, and perfect all the time. Yeah, I’m talking to you, fellow perfectionist.
How much money I made is how I defined my success for a long time. I wanted fancy things, lavish vacations, to be able to buy whatever I wanted at any time, to have savings, a luxury car… All of it!
Then something shifted. I realized how grateful I am for what I have now. Yes, those things can also make me happy, but I would rather spend my energy relaxing and not working so much.
When you choose to look at something from a perspective of gratitude, you start to feel a hell of a lot more fulfilled than if you’re desperately searching for something outside of yourself and your current environment.
There’s a lot of value in sitting with what you have and reflecting. So ask yourself:
Is my environment actually making me unhappy or am I telling myself I’m unhappy?
Let’s continue this conversation over on Instagram (I’m @TheColorfulJess!).
I’d love to know where you live and whether you find yourself booking weekend getaways as far from home as I do!
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