You've probably heard a hundred times you should just be happy with what you have and make the most of it. Psychology Today points out this isn't mere "feel better about your life" advice—it's critical to your mental and emotional well-being.


Realizing that the grass isn't always greener on the other side is, psychologist Melanie Klein says, "a cornerstone of mental health, contentment, inner security, and peace of mind." Believing that others have it better or yearning for their lives undermines the goodness of our own and distracts us from the main task of making the most of what we have:

We only have our own [lawn]. But that is the pivotal spot. If we can accept reality for what it is, we have the chance to develop it, to improve it, and to grow it.


Next time you catch yourself thinking, if I only had so-and-so's life/job/talents/money/stuff/whatever... remember to turn back towards the life you have (it's the only one you can tend to and grow).

Mythbusters: The Grass Is NOT Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence | Psychology Today

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