Do you ever complain about how dull, dreary, or simply boring your life is? Perhaps you do the same thing day in and day out while nothing exciting or inspiring ever seems to happen. Of course you scroll on social media and immediately compare your ho-hum, uneventful routine to hers.
Do you view your life as deeply unremarkable at times? Perhaps a day trip to the supermarket is the extent of your travels. Then again, you know what they say: If you can’t find the barcode on a product, maybe the self-checkout isn’t for you. Don’t be a hero. Forget about being world-famous; it’s hard enough just getting the automatic doors at the supermarket to acknowledge our existence. But seriously, maybe your work requires you to spend much of your time indoors doing repeated tasks.
His social media feed gives the impression that his life is amazing, astonishing, and astounding. You may wish your life was as allegedly interesting as hers. Speaking of social media…never before has a generation so diligently recorded themselves accomplishing so little.
Believe it or not, observing and concentrating on little things in your daily life can become sources of satisfaction. Do you delight in small things? Have you ever noticed water droplets on the leaves after a rainstorm?
What does your home look like? Needless to say, over a number of years with a great deal of diligence and dedication you chose furniture, paintings, and carpets for your home. Do you enjoy spending time in it? I know. The longer you stay at home, the more homeless you look.
But sincerely, after a long, enjoyable holiday vacation you may feel a powerful ache to return “home.” This may have nothing to do with comfort as you are staying at a deluxe hotel.
Somehow being home simply reminds you who you really are. There may be a calmness, restfulness, and relaxation simply from sleeping in your own bed. You may anchor your identity in your religious beliefs and have even decorated your home to represent that truth.
Do you take care over your own household? You know what they say: Home is where you can dance like nobody’s watching, or like the neighbors are watching and judging. But truly, does it represent what you care about? Your home is a small temple, sweet friends. Does it embody your spiritual values? Your possessions and personal effects should truly express your identity.
Look around you. Some pieces of furniture can conjure up nostalgia, while others may simply reflect efficiency. You must know what qualities you are actually drawn to. When you prepare breakfast perhaps you wish to be surrounded by simplicity. As you work from home, you may wish to feel grounded.
You need to know who you are in your own heart and mind, and tangible things will surely reflect that. What you surround yourself with reminds you who you are. Are you organized and ordered or are you surrounded by clutter and chaos? Your soul yearns to find a suitable container. Please provide it with one.
Speaking of trying to be morally good…Sometimes we humans actually enjoy others’ distress. You may relish his discomfort if you think he deserves it. Have you ever secretly said to yourself: “Serves her right”?
Please do not always stick to your original point of view when presented with opposing viewpoints. The world may not be just or good in your eyes. Yet not all hardship that you witness is self-imposed. Try to believe in the best world that you can create.
Seek harmony and balance in your life. And never underestimate your own capabilities, sweet friends. Trust yourself to know what you want. Spoiler: it’s usually snacks.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.