As parents, whether we’re aware of it or not, comparing is something we do quite a lot.
We compare parenting styles, our kids’ developmental progress, the coolest baby gear, the places we visit, the amount of fun we’re having with our kids. Which in itself is not a bad thing, until it messes with our heads and makes us less happy with what we have.
Somewhere, someone’s kid is smarter, cuter and better behaved than ours. They’re wheeling their tots around in the Aston Martin Silver Cross pram. They’re traveling to Norway so their kid can take a photo of the Aurora Borealis. They’re doing all the stuff we didn’t think we wanted to do until they did it and suddenly, we’re like “GOOD HEAVENS MY LIFE WOULDN’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT THAT.”
And then we look at our lives and feel like what we have is about as awesome as a partially blind ferret who’s also missing several toes.
Being happy with what we have is a learned response. It doesn’t require having the best stuff or even more stuff for that matter. We’ve got what we’ve got and sure, we can (and should) try to do better. But for now, all we need to do is look at what we have and just be happy.
This. This is my happy.
9 Comments
i am glad that you have a helper now, not only does she eases your household chores, it also means that you have more time to blog…haha..and in return, i can enjoy reading more blogs from you..thank you and thank your helper..
you definitely inspire me to have more siblings for my 14 month kid…xie xie ni!
LOL that’s one way to look at it! Glad you’re enjoying the posts :) And yes make more babies!!
Thank you, Daphne. This short and simple post spoke to me. :)
Aww that’s sweet! Hope you’re pregnancy is coming along great, must be looking forward to your little girl’s arrival, so exciting!
Thanks! Just about 2 more months to go. Feeling excited and a tad nervous at the same time :)
So true, so true. I’ve learnt that the key is being contented with what we have. After all people only choose to show the good and nice side of things. So it’s pointless to compare though I can be guilty of it at times.
Susan´s last post ..Do more of what makes you happy
I know what you mean! Usually what we see are the highlights and the picture perfect moments. We’ve all got to power through the not so fun ones and find our own happy.
Happy is Everywhere, and very often Free :)
If I am ever clueless, I just look at my kids for inspirations (and smiles).
No wonder my Mrs is always smiling after she becomes a SAHM. She is very contented to witness the kids’ growing up phases.
(well, there are screams too occasionally).
Wishing your family more Joy.
cheers, Andy (SengkangBabies)
SengkangBabies´s last post ..Where are the Daddy bloggers hiding?
Great advice, Andy! And you’ve got 4 so that’s 4 times the smiles and joy :)