What, I can’t have All the Things?
One of the biggest lessons that I am learning right now is that I AM enough and I HAVE enough! As most of you know, I recently returned to the U.S. from a year abroad in Central America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Yesterday was my first shopping trip since being back in the states and it was certainly an eye-opening experience. As I walked past Gap, Sephora, H&M…I felt as though I was looking at everything with fresh eyes. As an outsider. Exciting and difficult at the same time.
I really wish that I could put words to what I felt but that would be nearly impossible to do. The wealth and extravagance is so unlike most of what I’ve experienced and witnessed this past year and was more overwhelming than I had expected.
While I may not know what to expect for the coming year, what I do know is that “I am enough, and I already have enough”
I’ve desperately wanted to believe and feel this way for years and years. To be content where I am and to simply be happy and to not compare what I have or where I am with those around me. As I sit in my childhood bedroom with my coffee, beautiful candles, and a perfect moleskin on my desk I am so excited that I can say with conviction that I know it’s true.
We don’t need All the Things to either be content or to be happy.
Regardless of where you are and what you are going through I hope and pray for each of you that you will know that you too are enough and that you already have enough exactly where you are!
Next Steps:
Now, am I saying that you should never buy a new outfit and should go through life feeling guilty? Of course not! What I would suggest is to try something new.
For example, maybe go a month without buying any new clothes. Just see how it goes and see how you feel. If you would like some more info or guidance about this topic I would highly encourage you to check out Nancy Ray’s Contentment Challenge.
The contentment challenge is great because it has a clear structure with a set start and end date which is something that most of us desperately need.
Just Google ‘Contentment Challenge’ and you’ll find it.
Featured Photo Via: Amanda Bennes
