All I want is…
If only I had….
then maybe I’d be a bit less stressed out and in a better place mentally.
I’ve gone over the answers to that question countless times in the last year. I was earning an income from my blog and freelance writing, Lizzie was in school and ballet, and I was trying to get fit. But then the house was falling apart. So I took on less blogging and focused on the home. But then I started to fritz emotionally. So I got a job out of the home. But then I missed my kids and the stress of working for someone else full time away from my family affected my every action. I began to make mistakes and my attitude was failing.
I struggle with satisfaction and contentment. It kinda goes hand in hand with my weakness for comparing myself to others. In fact, it is directly related to it. The more I look at friends and their ______ the more I am unsatisfied with my _______. Every. time.
The good news is, I am not nearly as bad at the comparing game as I used to be. The older I get and the closer to 30 I am, the more I am focused on finding what works for my family, not concerning myself with how others achieve results.
I am making my own results. And to do so, I must pray and allow God to give me wisdom for that day. I have a vision for where I see my family and my writing. I have always been goal-oriented and I have my long term goals and short term goals. My gel-pens are constantly doodling dreams on my desk calendar. (Often covered by crayon-markings from my little dreamers!)
Life will happen. My choice is how gracious and joyful will I choose to be about the innumerable blessings I was given today? For if I am not happy and able to create a joyous life with my current blessings, how can I be expected to handle more?
This? Was some pretty amazing writing!
I, too, struggle with all that you mentioned. I’m intentionally trying to do better, but it’s tough.
Oh thank you SO MUCH Mandy!! Your comment touched my heart 🙂
Choosing contentment where you are is definitely key, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. I hope you find peace in your current situation, Annie! xo
thank you Jo-Lynne….it is definitely easier said than done.
I always remember a quote which says that if you are never content with what you have, then you will never be content with what you have….
oooohhhhh GOOD quote!! Yup – be happy now or you will never be happy 🙂
Great post, Annie.
One of the biggest realizations of my life was when I decided to be an active participant in my life. Sometimes that means learning to accept where I am, and sometimes it means jumping into the driver’s seat and changing course. I think you are really onto something with this “I am making my own results” — YES. Own your results. You are amazing.
Thank you Dresden, dear!!!
Really great post lady. I think we all struggle with this a bit. Thinking of you!
thank you Erin 🙂 You make my heart happy 🙂
Nodding my head in agreement. Great quote from Eat, Pray, Love.
Great post. Yes, the more we embrace who we are, where we are, and let go of the ‘things would be better if..’ Things will magically be more peaceful and enjoyable. I was just encouraging my middle daughter (10yo) to embrace each moment. She def struggles w/ this!! It’s always easier to see in someone else, right?! So I work on it in too…
Oh I have struggled with this my entire life. I’ve always compared myself to others. I am finally starting to do it LESS 🙂 Good luck with your daughter 🙂
LOVE THIS … thank you so much for sharing your heart and being beautifully vulnerable. Would you be interested in being a guest author on our website? Live Bold. Dare to be You! Courtney Frey
Oh Thank you Courtney!!
Oh Annie. I know the balance is hard. I am so sorry you struggle with it.
I feel like when I tell myself I am happy with something, it tends to be easier to be happy with it … that doesn’t make sense at all, but oh well.
{BIG HUG!}
HUGS back 🙂 You are a wonderful friend Sara 🙂