Day 801

The grass is always greener…sometimes! Our Goldens have a large yard where they can run and play to their hearts’ content. However, they often choose to ‘frolic in the ferns,’ ‘trench a tunnel to the neighbor’s yard’ and ‘bark with bravado at the fence.’ The grass seems greener for them, but is it?

Humans have the same dilemma. Someone bought a new car, another went on an extravagant vacation and someone else moved into a new home. All of these occurrences might cause a small bout of jealousy (especially for the younger members amongst us), but it only takes a heartbeat or two to extinguish that green flame.

It has been many years since I have longed to have a “thing” that someone else has just acquired. As I get older, my heart is simply happy for these friends. When I was younger, there were moments when I would want something that was out of reach for me but still in my line of vision as a “want.” To help dissipate any feelings of envy, I used to follow three steps:

1. Count my blessings.

2. Empathize with the person and feel their joy.

3. Tend to my own grass and nurture it until it is as green on your very own side.

4. Push yourself to achieve the things you desire.

The Goldens will always look through the fence. For me, I will be satisfied with the many gifts that grace “my own yard”… but then there are those adorable little golf carts running around everywhere!