An age-old truth that I’m being reminded of right now is that most discontentment in our lives stems from wanting that which we don’t have. In the age of social media this is easier than ever.
I have always been the first person to claim that I don’t compare myself to others. However, recently I realized that while I wasn’t consciously comparing myself to others, discontentment would settle when, while scrolling, I noticed the things I wasn’t doing and experiences I wasn’t having. I didn’t look at people and wish they didn’t have what they had, but sometimes I wish I had that too. That comparison made me feel as though I was lacking.
This made me think of the commandment that most of us know – you shall not covet. Even if you are not a believer in the Bible’s wisdom, this ancient truth is more relevant now than ever.
We weren’t told to not covet because coveting is some obscure sin. We were told to not covet because coveting is bad FOR us while not coveting benefits us.
There’s something that happens when we choose to focus on that which we have instead of what we don’t have. We are filled with positive energy that motivates and inspires us to move forward. If good is happening (and we all have something good in our lives that we can be grateful for), our brain is more expectant of other good things happening. Sensation on hope causes the brain to release neurochemicals called endorphins and enkephalins which actually mimic the effects of morphine. Neuroscientists are investigating the science of hope which results in the brain overcoming hurdles and moving to a place of recovery. In scientific terms, hope and recovery are not causally connected, but they are correlated.
Sense of hope inspires us to take on that new project, push through with something we’ve started on, or simply to spread more love and joy around us.
When a setback happens (because it will happen), we’re still further along in our achievements than we would have been if we did nothing. I’m not talking about blind optimism or positive thinking. Failures and hardships are a part of life, and it’s much easier to live if we accept them as normal. Another study actually revealed that moderation is key when it comes to optimism as well. However, if we appreciate the positive, we can take that energy and create more good around us.
My faith is a major source of hope and joy for me. I rely on my God for everything and I’d be happy to tell you more about Him if you’re interested.
However, an encouragement for all of us today can be the good that is already happening in our lives. We can take some time for appreciation and allow for our brains to fill with hope. We can start dreaming about other good things that can happen in our lives and the lives of those around us and take a few steps towards that reality. Even if life’s hurdles make us take one step back, we will still be further along than if we stood still.
x Karina