You Already Have Enough: Finding Contentment in the Present

It's a funny thing about the human mind, isn't it? We get that new car, that bigger house, that perfect gadget, and for a little while, we're on top of the world. But then, almost inevitably, our eyes start to wander. That $500,000 house feels perfectly grand until we see the $1 million one. Then suddenly, our perfectly lovely home just isn't quite as satisfying anymore. And if we get the $1 million one? Well, then the $2 million one starts to call our name.

Our desires can feel endless, like a hungry ghost that's never truly satisfied. This constant craving for "more" or "better" can leave us feeling perpetually dissatisfied with what we already have. But what if we could shift that mindset?

Here's a simple, three-step approach you can try when you notice that familiar urge for something more creeping in:

Step One: Notice the Urge

The first and most crucial step is simply to become aware. When that feeling of "I wish I had that" or "This isn't good enough" arises, just notice it. Don't judge it, don't try to push it away. Simply acknowledge it as a thought, a feeling, a fleeting sensation of dissatisfaction. It's just a whisper in your mind, not a command.

Step Two: Remember the Fleeting Nature of Desire

Once you've noticed the urge, take a moment to recall how short-lived the satisfaction from fulfilling a new desire often is. Think back to a time you really wanted something. You got it, you felt a surge of happiness, and then… it faded, right? That's because external things can only provide temporary boosts to our happiness. True, lasting contentment comes from within.

Step Three: Cultivate Gratitude for What You Have (Right Now!)

This step can be done independently, or as a powerful antidote to the feeling of "not enough." It's all about intentionally shifting your focus to the incredible abundance that already surrounds you, much of which you likely take for granted.

Let me give you an example from my own life, right here in Montana. Today isn't exactly a postcard day. It's grey, a bit chilly, breezy, and the rain is coming and going. My mind could easily latch onto how "not optimal" this weather is. But instead, I'm choosing to do something different.

I'm appreciating:

• A roof over my head: I'm dry and protected from the elements.

• Warmth: My home has heat, so I'm cozy and comfortable.

• Shelter: The walls and windows keep the wind and rain outside.

  
  

These are such basic things, aren't they? Things we rarely think about unless they're missing. But when I consciously bring my attention to them, I realize just how much I do have. It's not about ignoring what could be better, but about recognizing the immense good that is already present in this very moment.

Try it yourself. Pick something you might typically overlook today – the comfortable chair you're sitting in, the warmth of your coffee, the clean water from your tap. Take a moment to truly appreciate it. You might be surprised at how quickly "not enough" transforms into "I have so much!"

What are you grateful for today that you might usually take for granted?