When someone tries to convince me that the grass is greener on the other side, I can usually smell the manure they used to fertilizer it. The hallmark of the “grass is greener syndrome” is the idea that there is always something better that we are missing. Rather than experiencing satisfaction in the present environment, the feeling is there is more and better elsewhere – anything less than ideal won’t do. Whether it’s with relationships, careers, or your home, there is always one foot out the door on an endless quest to find happiness.
If you’re peeking over the fence to see what’s on the other side, you have fallen prey to the comparison syndrome. It’s an imaginary life seen through the lens of judgment, and that’s where our vision gets muddled. We become restless with chronic dissatisfaction because of so many options. But labels, of whatever merit or value, are illusions. There is no getting to “better,” only different. There is no “best,” only changed. Focusing outside of yourself leaves you wallowing in “what ifs.”
In today’s world, we are swamped with beautiful Instagram photos of other people’s lives. Mostly photoshopped, imagery is manipulated for best marketing and social impact. I decided to open the gate to my yard and invite you to see the weeds firsthand. Before and after, reality versus imagined. The truth is, whatever photo I choose, the food tastes the same. Without a fence, we can appreciate not covet. Comparisons are based on lack or the idea of not having enough. There only exists plenty, enough, everything and always, and fences can’t sever that truth.
I think the key to a happy life is being contented with who you are and where you are right now. Life is an awesome journey. You can and should work hard to where you want to be, to achieve your goals and dreams, but don’t wish away the present moment for some future happiness that you think you will achieve by copying someone else’s lifestyle. That is the recipe for waking up one day and realizing that you spent your life chasing happiness, while you had the means to be happy all along.
You may not have an easy life, but it is your life, and to me, you are enough.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup tightly-packed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 3 green onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stemmed and cored
- 3 ½ cups purple cabbage
- 3 ½ cups green cabbage
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, green onions, garlic and jalapeño in a blender or food processor. Pulse briefly a few times until the mixtures is combined.
- Place the cole slaw mix in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the sauce on top of the cole slaw, then toss until the mixture is evenly combined. Season with extra pepper and/or lime juice if needed.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
