This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The Joneses Will Always Seem Farther Ahead
Questions We Need To Ask Ourselves
What sticks out to me the most from the quote above is this one sentence: “[…], but count the blessings you actually possess and think how much you would desire them if they weren’t already yours.”
Before we jump into this read, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves a few questions:
How often do I wish for things I don’t already possess?
How often do I state and feel gratitude for the things I possess?
How often do I state and feel gratitude for the people in my life?
Do I tend to count my blessings, or do I tend to count others’ blessings?
Am I appreciative of the life I have now?
How Often Do You Covet?
Everybody has coveted, at some time or another, what someone else has, and most people still covet what others have daily. American culture has taught society to continuously chase new things and new people instead of appreciating who and what you have in the present moment.
Why is it challenging to appreciate the good things and people we have in our lives?
Why is it that after we accumulate more things, we don’t feel any happier?
Why do we often regret not cherishing and appreciating the people in our lives until it’s too late – usually on our death beds?
If you’re getting value from this — sign up for my newsletter, a free daily 5 AM email. Discipline delivered before the sun comes up.
As I reflect on these questions, I quickly recognize that all of the answers to these questions are within my control. I can take action now to appreciate who and what matters most, and no, it’s not materials, which only provide more feelings of emptiness. But if materials matter most to you, this is a perfect opportunity to re-prioritize.
Keep Your Eyes In Your Yard
We always want more. Will it ever stop? For most, no. Many will continue desiring what their neighbor, their favorite celebrity has, or the person on social media showing off their life has. Many will continue aspiring for gigantic lifestyles they can show off on their Instagram pages for likes. Many will continue the empty pursuit of material possessions until they realize it’s a game with zero winners. Many will continue hoarding things until they realize that more things only add inconvenience and imprison their owners financially and physically.
But for you, all of this can change if you embrace intentional living.
“The grass isn’t greener on the other side; it’s merely a different shade of green.”
Interrogate Your Desires
I don’t need a gigantic house if my family has only 2–4 humans. I don’t need to upgrade my car every two years – especially if I’m a remote worker. I don’t need to overhaul my closet every year completely. I don’t need to display my life on social media in exchange for anticipated external validation. I don’t need to buy something every day. I don’t need much at all. I only need what I need; the rest is icing on the cake that I can intentionally obtain.
Before You Acquire, Inquire
Will the attainment of this desire add genuine joy to my life?
Will attaining this desire add any sort of stress (i.e., financial, mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual) to my life?
Do I genuinely want this, or do I merely think I want this?
Take Inventory
Look around you. What do you not need? What do you no longer use? What can you give away today that could bless something else that has less than you?
Fight the urge to gather and hoard – The Daily Stoic, p149
Stay in the habit of taking an inventory of your things to ensure you aren’t on the path of hoarding and holding onto things that serve no functional purpose in your life. The things sitting around unused are indirectly taking up space in our lives.
Hoarding is a physical manifestation of fear.
Focus On Generosity
I’ve noticed that the more grateful I am and the more generous I am, the more the universe returns to me.
Daily, find opportunities to give and be grateful in small, medium, and big ways. Living an abundant life filled with gratitude will ensure you experience an intentional, magnificent, and full life.
It always feels better to give than to consume.
Question: What happens when you take your blessings for granted?
Answer: They start to disappear.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.