The Grass is Greener…

One of my favorite quotes for 2022 is “The grass is greener where you water it.” I think it fits well with my intentions for this year. 

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this quote is the comparison to the common saying of “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I prefer the first version because, to me, it means that I can change my life. I don’t need to worry about what’s on the other side. Whether it be in regards to my personal life, school, or my future goals, I have the capacity to do what will make good things happen!

The disclaimer I want to make here is that I am (and you are) wonderful as is. I think that I realized last year how much more I could do to take care of myself. This year, I am trying to take baby steps to nurture my mental and physical health. Change does not necessarily mean drastic measures. Sometimes it still feels like doing things that are good for me are the hardest thing in the world. 

For example, one thing that I would like to do is get an entry level job in the field I am getting a degree in. A couple of days ago, I wrote an email to a professor asking for a letter of recommendation. This involved updating my resume, drafting the email, and sending it. I got so anxious over this process that I started spiraling into the thoughts of not being good enough and comparing myself to my peers and friends who I think have done “more.” Even now, I get sad thinking about how much pain I put myself through and how easily I put aside my accomplishments. 

Today I got an email reply that my professor would be happy to write me that letter. I am grateful to myself for being brave enough to go for what I want. I still haven’t sent any applications in because I need to wait for that letter and gather my paperwork, but the baby steps add up. I am trying to gently encourage myself to be mindful of my anxieties and work to address what I can. There are so many things that I would like to do. I can spend time cooking healthy meals, talk to my loved ones more, read books I keep putting off – the list goes on and on. 

I am searching for the balance of taking care of myself while trying to be a go-getter who refuses to let the hard emotional things get in the way of progress. I don’t quite know where that leaves me. But what I do know is that things will get better. I am consciously trying to be present and show myself the encouragement and compassion that I so freely give to others. When I focus positive energy on certain elements of my life, good things will come. In a way, the process of growth is similar to watching grass grow: the change is slow going until you realize the lawn is lush. I hope that when I look back, I will see all the good that has come from me nurturing myself.

What do you think about the concept of choosing where to make the grass greener (i.e., setting and following through with intentions)? In what ways can you initiate change in your life? What are some of your intentions for growth and change in your life? Comment below!