Our lives are given to us to design it as we see fit. We have the freedom to make it anything that we want it to be, have what we want to have and fill it with that which brings us joy. It comes in all shapes and forms and the requirement for quantity in our life is different for all people. If we are living a life that is true to our soul then that is when it brings us the most joy. If we live it comparing ourselves to what others have and what we don’t, then those very actions steal that joy that we often long for.

You know the old adage, “money can’t buy happiness”. Well, that not only applies to money, but material things as well. Many books have been written about lottery winners that end up destitute or even dead at the hand of someone that wants what they have. Many individuals in the corporate world have had more money than they can count and wind up in jail or broke because of the greed and need for more. Individuals who count on money and material possessions to be the soul joy in their life are usually those who wind up with either nothing or a fat bank account and no soul. Now, I am not saying this applies to every one with money and things, for those who are smart enough to balance having with giving and include some soul nurturing are the ones who find the true path to a balanced life.

In our lives there are many things to be thankful for, even if we have little in the way of material possessions. These include friendships, hobbies, family, loves and passions. When we include them to the degree of that which we are able financially and physically, they all infuse our lives with the joy that seek. When we spend all of our time comparing what we have with everyone else, without focusing on the blessings of our own life, we fail to experience the true joy of that which we have been given. Being thankful for what we have, even when it isn’t a lot, opens ourselves to allowing the universe to give us more, but usually not more than we can handle.

There was a time in my younger years in corporate America, where I spent a lot of time wishing I had all the things that others had. At work I always seemed to be one job behind all the people to got the bulk of stock options. Others cars were always two steps above mine. Their homes were far superior to what I lived in. It was only when I learned to be thankful for what I had and share that with those that were less fortunate that I learned my true joy. I carved the path that was right for me and realized that comparing only brought about heartache, while being satisfied with what I was given brought about harmony.

If you are feeling the need to keep up with everyone else, stop and take a long look at your life. See how spending so much time comparing is stealing your ability to appreciate the gifts that life has given you. When you focus on that and are able to give thanks for everything that you have been given, that is when you experience the true joy of life.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Mornings with Ron is now available as a podcast at anchor.fm/morningswithron and on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify and most podcast sites.

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