Society is greedy.
It prescribes an idea of permanent insufficiency and inadequacy.
You can always be too much or too little in the eyes of the beholder.
Truth is, “society” is us. The beholder is us.
If we change the paradigm, we will suddenly become just the right amount.
This topic was proposed by a subscriber as a response to my last newsletter.
So here it is. Let’s talk about how we can be enough just as we are.
Starting with myself.
For as long as I can remember, my mind has always been focused in the future. Wondering what the next step will be and how to best plan for it. The present was a mere stepping stone to the next chapter which promised to be better than the current one.
My idea of contentment and satisfaction was tightly attached to achieving that future outcome - the end of a school year, graduation, that next job, that next trip, that next new experience.
My attention was on optimizing my chances of succeeding in that new episode. The background reason: you can always do better.
Now. I don’t reject this part of me. I take a lot of pride in being ambitious and seeking to expand my comfort zone. I thrive in situations where there’s that bit of a challenge and I also find myself bonding most with people who hold this same mindset.
The flip side? The future doesn’t exist and contentment is found in your present self.
So when I struggle to conceive these opposing realities, I remind myself that:
It’s okay to strive for more AND still be happy with what you have.
It’s okay to plan for the next step AND still find joy in your life today.
It’s okay to think that things can improve AND still see perfection in the current moment.
And because we’re all about reflection here, these are some questions to ask yourself if you’re seeking that balance.
What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish in the future and one thing that’s keeping you content right now?
What’s a situation that makes you feel insufficient and how can you shift your narrative around it?
What are three things you currently have and would like to keep in the long term?
Think about a challenge you’re facing. How can you reframe it as an opportunity for growth rather than a sign of inadequacy?
What are some habits or routines you can implement to help you stay grounded in the present while working towards your future goals?
Keep aiming high.
And be reminded:
You are always enough just as you are.
Thank you for supporting this newsletter.
Until soon,
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"It’s okay to strive for more AND still be happy with what you have.
It’s okay to plan for the next step AND still find joy in your life today.
It’s okay to think that things can improve AND still see perfection in the current moment."
Is it okay that I like these confirmations AND beg you not to stop publishing your insights?