Theres always something to strive for, something that needs improvement or something we need more of in order for us to feel satisfied with our lives. This future-focused approach is certainly ingrained in our culture. Along with the basics of survival, we are faced with the pursuit of optimizing our existence. Everywhere you look, you will find people moving through their daily lives while harbouring a low-grade preoccupation with what isnt enough: not enough money, not enough time, not enough beautiful objects; health and image are not good enough.
Guess what? Today its good enough. How could that be? Simple, you get to choose it. You get to choose to see with a different set of eyes. You get to choose to look all around you and see what you do have, and make the decision to work with it as though its all you have. Wanting more is a natural instinct, but it can also strip us from joy in the moment. When you choose to see your possessions and resources as meager and requiring improvement, you foster a scarcity mentality; which can leave you feeling empty and inadequate, with a constant need for improvement. Not good enough until I (have, am, look like) How can these feelings be good for anyones self-worth?
Here is a practice to try: No matter how much money you still need, no matter how outdated and over-worn some of your clothes, furnishings and supplies are looking to you, no matter how much you wish you spent more time taking care of your body and appearance, stop for one minute each day. Stop and notice. Ask yourself, what have I got right now that is working for me (regardless if I wish I had a better, sleeker version)? What am I grateful for having in my world right now, today? The theme of this approach to noticing what youve got is to be willing to accept where you are today, and be willing to work with it, as though it were all you could ever have. This is also an extension of the mindfulness practice of presence, which also is one of the health benefits of yoga. Being present: right here, right now, stripping away angst or a sense of in-completion regarding the past or the future.
There are people who possess little, utilize little and leave little impact. The few items they use are treasured and appreciated, regardless of quality. The quality of anything lies in the reverence you give it. If you tell yourself your home isnt good enough, it isnt. Or you can appreciate that you have a shelter, and that its working for you right now. If you decide that your old cashmere sweater that youve worn at least a hundred times is still your favorite piece, even if its coming apart, then you are wearing it with love which is a beautiful feeling that inadequacy cannot penetrate.
Today you can take a break from worrying about whats not good enough yet. Because this moment is all you have for certain, youre not guaranteed the chance to work on that yet. Today you can choose to notice how full your cup is, and be willing to work with what youve got.
Lara Williams (BA, CSFC) is a Vancouver-based life coach. Her coaching practice supports busy professionals to prioritize success and life-fulfillment. Williams is a conference speaker and facilitates groups, seminars and workshops on topics such as self-care and life balance, making successful changes, and life design. For more articles on living a healthy and natural lifestyle go to .
