"It's not getting what you want....but wanting what you got."
-Sheryl Crow, "Soak Up the Sun" There are those who have bigger houses than mine, with sprawling yards and in-ground pools, hot tubs and fancy outdoor bars. There are those who have second homes near the beach. There are those who have perfect figures and perfectly white, straight teeth and perfect hair. They show all the perfection in their full-length mirror in their gigantic walk-in closet. There are those who have risen to the top of their career and are making oodles of money while looking like a supermodel and being adorably self-deprecating. I see them all on Instagram. Or my Facebook feed. Or sometimes in person. And it's so easy to get caught up in all the things I'm not. In all the things I don't have. In all the ways I don't measure up. I see my children noticing how some of their friends have much bigger houses than ours, or have beautiful pools, or lights that change colors in their basement turned arcade. Or they see their friends taking trips to Disney and all inclusive resorts and beach houses. The line from the Sheryl Crow song, "Soak Up The Sun" has been speaking to me: "It's not getting what you want but wanting what you got." The experts say that having a grateful attitude is important for mindset and happiness.What do I have? What is good and right in my life? What little joys can I appreciate? There are so many. Petting my puppy after his grooming and noticing how soft his fur is. Sugar free caramel syrup in my decaf coffee A swing in my backyard and noticing my hydrangeas are starting to bloom My mom walking up to my door every morning to help me get the kids to school. Laughing with my children Watching Schitts Creeks with my husband and laughing together A Voxer message from a friend Being able to teach in person Working with children every day Reading to my children at night More daylight The promise of summer Of course, I haven't scratched the surface. There is so much to appreciate in what I already have, in who I already am. I want whatI've got and I'll keep soaking up the sun.
3 Comments
6/8/2021 06:59:11 am
This speaks to me so much! I have been thinking about this same thing a lot lately. Gratitude does seem to be the best antidote. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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6/9/2021 03:58:12 am
Kathleen, this says so very much about who you are: "I want what I've got..." You are owning that song, and this post is such a great reminder for you and your readers. That is a great quote, and a truth for a life well-lived. I smiled so much at the end of your post and all the things you have, as opposed to the shallowness and triteness of the things you list at the beginning of the post. Well-written! Have a great summer.
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
February 2024
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