Tag: Random Stuff (Misc.)

The Grass is Always Greener…

Is the Grass Really Greener?

Reflections on Human Nature and Contentment

Every day on my way to work, I pass cows eating grass in the fields of lovely Livermore, CA. Every morning, there is always at least one cow who has decided that the grass on the other side of the fence is greener and sticks his (or her) head through it. It is interesting because, like cows, humans don’t want to be constrained by choices and when obstacles are put in our way we always seem to want to break through them. When I see the cows stretching their necks through the barbed wire fencing, I always ask myself, “I wonder if the grass that cow is eating on the other side of the fence is really that much different (or better) than the grass inside their enclosure?”

Ask someone what they want, and chances are they will respond with “I don’t care.” Tell someone what they are going to do and more than likely they are going to tell you their opinion on the matter when a moment ago they did not care. Try it next time you are deciding where to go to lunch as a group. You always get the standard “I don’t know” any time someone is asked where they want to go, but when you recommend sushi, isn’t it interesting how they suddenly change their mind and say “how about McDonald’s?”

If you are working, you probably think what it would be like to work for another company. If you are in a relationship, you probably ask yourself what it would be like to be in a relationship with someone else. I can go on, but the point is if you aren’t happy today, you probably won’t be happy tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, though, if you have an obstacle from stopping you from being happy, moooove that obstacle and be happy!

Human Nature

We naturally resist constraints and desire what seems just out of reach.

Contentment

Happiness comes from within rather than from changing external circumstances.

Choice Paradox

We often don’t know what we want until someone suggests something we don’t want.

“If you aren’t happy today, you probably won’t be happy tomorrow.”

Questions to Consider

  • When was the last time you envied someone else’s circumstances?
  • What aspects of your current situation might others be envying?
  • What obstacles to happiness are within your power to “moooove”?

Join the Conversation

Have you ever found that the “grass wasn’t greener” after making a change? Share your experiences below!

When Life Gives You Lemons

A story of ingenuity and familial love

An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,

I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here, my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.

Love,

Papa

A few days later, he received a letter from his son:

Dear Pop,

Don’t dig up that garden. That’s where the bodies are buried.

Love,

Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day, the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Pop,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances.

I love you,

Vinnie

Sometimes the most creative solutions come from unlikely places.

The Great Gadzoni

My dad emailed me this story, so I Google’d his name hoping it was true, but it doesn’t look like it is. Great story though, it can be applied to several things in life.

Several years ago the Great Gadzoni had just completed a challenging tightrope walk across Niagra Falls. The wind was howling and stinging rain pelted him as he inched across the rope. Met with enthusiastic applause on the other side, the Great Gadzoni was wringing the water from his cape when an excited fan approached, urging him to make a return trip but this time pushing a wheelbarrow, which the fan just happened to have with him.

The Great Gadzoni was hesitant, having barely made the first trip across in the high winds and pouring rain. But the spectator insisted, stating that he knew the Great Gadzoni could do it.

“You can do it. I know you can” the fan insisted.

The Great Gadzoni thought for a moment. “You really believe I can do it?”

“Yes, definitely” the fan responded.

“OK,” said Gadzoni. “Get in.”

True Belief

Real conviction means being willing to put yourself on the line for what you claim to believe in.

Words vs. Actions

It’s easy to express confidence with words, but our willingness to act reveals our true convictions.

Trust

When we truly trust someone or something, we’re willing to place our well-being in their hands.

“OK,” said Gadzoni. “Get in.”

Questions to Consider

  • Where in your life do you claim to believe in something or someone, but might hesitate to “get in the wheelbarrow”?
  • How do our actions often contradict our stated beliefs?
  • What would it mean for you to fully commit to your convictions in various areas of your life?