If I had to create a bumper sticker that modeled my philosophy for life, it would be "the grass is always greener on the other side."
Many times in my life I've found myself saying, "if only I..." and usually filling in the blank with "had this, could do this, was able to, was in a different situation." When I was in college my most common "grass is greener" complaint was that I was completely paying for my own education while many of my friends had parents putting them through school. I would think, and sometimes say, "it would be so nice if someone was paying for me to go to school. Then I wouldn't have so much debt, have to work full time and take classes, or feel tired all my life." It wasn't until I graduated college, got my first "real" job and actually found myself making it in the world of adults that I realized how valuable paying my own way had been. While many of the people I knew struggled, lived at home, couldn't budget (and therefore couldn't always eat), I was fine. The idea of working 9 to 5, coming home to relax, finding pleasure in the small things, and always looking forward to the weekend was nothing new to me. This is about the time I adopted the phrase, "the grass is always greener on the other side." If I had not supported myself through school perhaps I would have struggled when it came time to join the adult world.
In my life these days the biggest "grass is greener" complaint I hear is among my girlfriends who are raising young children. I have two sets of friends - the moms who stay at home and the moms who work. The ones who stay at home think they would love to go back to work full time and enjoy being their own person again. The ones who work think they would love to stay at home with their kids so as not to miss the everyday things that go by too quickly. I find myself happily in the middle. I work and I love it. I stay at home with my son some days and love it. I'm happy doing both because I realize that neither way is better. Now that I understand that everyone wants what they can't or don't have, I'm actually a happier person. I like what I have in my life and feel lucky to be where I am.
Sure it would be nice to have five million dollars, look like JLo, and sound like Beyonce, but I'll bet if you asked them they'd tell you they have problems too!
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Often, i find my self saying " i wish i didnt have to pay for my schooling." I my self have many friends whos parents pay for anything and everything including schooling. My parents are the total oppisite. Once i got my job i was basically on my own. The only thing i dont pay for is the roof under my head. Like you said "making it in the world of adults that I realized how valuable paying my own way had been" i also realize being in the situation of having to afford everything will only be benefical in the end. I am more prepared and understanding of how the adult world works.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely agree with you, after high school i had to take a semester off so i could save up enough money to get a car, before i had to start making payments on my school. i fully support myself and it is very stressful at times, but i know that the harder you work when you are young, the better of an outcome you will have as you grow older :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! Things we do ourselves really help us grow. Our tangible efforts and accomplishments help dive one further, rather than the efforts supported by Mommy and daddy's invisible safety cord. Grass is grass, but your own grass always tastes better.
ReplyDeleteWell I am proud that you made it through school. It seems your work has payed off and now you are going to help many students learn and grow through college. (:
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've found a happy medium.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good choice of essay to present to a bunch of college students (who are undoubtedly experiencing what you have).
This really made me think about my life. I can relate this sticker to my life in so many ways!!!!! Its very true that the grass is always greener on other side!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement when you said if you hadnt paid for your way in college you maybe wouldn't have made it in the adult world. Im paying for school, paying my own bills, contribituing money to my household, and trying to look for an apartment. I feel totally accomplished as an adult because of supporting myself.
ReplyDeleteYour words are very encouraging. I find myself at a crossroads with the whole work and school thing. But this makes me more motivated to get a job and do school so that i can Brag later..lol
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ReplyDeleteThroughout life I think we all learn to appreciate what we have! When I think about people in poverty stricken countries who work in sweatshops for 60 cents an hour, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, I certainly value the life I live a lot more. I think people spend too much time worrying about what they don’t have instead of being grateful for what they do have. This is definitely one of my favorite quotes!
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because I do find myself saying "I wish I had this" or "I wish I could do this" often. This makes me realize that sometimes I lose track of the things that I do have, and take for granted. Sometimes I have to be able to take a step back and realize I should be grateful for what I have and if I always just wish for more, I won't be very content in life.
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