Greener grass

From childhood I've heard the saying about the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence. And I've always laughed about it, as though I was immune to such a mistake.

At the same time, I've been prey to a similar error. It's not that I want things that other people have. It's not that I envy other people's lives or circumstances.

I've noticed that for me the "greener grass" is more likely to be a different point in my own life, my own situation. For instance, 'things will be great after I finish this project at work' or 'I just can't wait until it's cool again next fall' or whatever.

I think a lot of people do this, and it happens at all ages of life. Some are straining forward to the day they graduate, some to when they retire. Some are anticipating having a family, some are planning what they will do when the kids are out of the house.

It makes me think of the man who walked past the diamonds because he was searching for pearls.

I understand the psychological benefits of hope and the joys of anticipation. Like most things in life, though, I think there should be a balance -- while we enjoy the glow of things to come, I think we would benefit from learning to recognize the delights of today.

I think I'll hang a sign on my mirror reminding me to notice what's good about right here, right now.