GRASS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE?

The expression, “The grass is always greener on the other side” is an old saying that is still very relevant in our world today. I guess some things will never fade away.

Why does it always look like the grass is greener on the other side?

In case you have not heard this expression before, it simply means that the things a person does not have always seem more appealing than the things he or she has.

In other words, we assume other people always seem to be in a better situation than us, although they may not be.

Is this familiar? I think so.

I could remember growing up. We always think someone in the class, church or neighbourhood is better than us. Others are always seen as either taller or bigger, more beautiful, had more friends, and so on. Even to the extent of wishing that other people’s parents were your parents.

Sometimes ago, I watched an analogy that in a way shed some light on the assumption that the grass is always greener on the other side.

A pilot looked down from his helicopter and saw a man sitting beside the road. He asked himself when he would be free like the man on the street.

He longed for freedom from worries about the risk of flying and not returning. Moreover, he wished he could just be on the ground enjoying the beautiful nature around.

Meanwhile, at the same time, the man who was by the road was admiring the pilot and wished he could be the one inside the aircraft flying around the world.

Another man driving his car sighted a boy riding a bicycle passed him. The vehicle owner also thought he would have been better off riding a bicycle instead of sitting down for hours inside traffic.

He thought it would be relaxing riding a bicycle with nature’s cool breeze calming down the stress of the day.

On the other side, the bicycle rider wished he could own his own car and cruise around town with his friends.

It is somehow funny how we always see the greener grass on the other side of the fence.

Would they have thought differently if they knew that the other thought they were better?

Maybe yes. I believe it would have opened their eyes to see what others saw and appreciated their circumstances better.

It is good to appreciate others and aspire to be better than your present position. However, you should not think less of yourself. Wishing or trying to be someone else might land you in serious trouble.

Be happy with what you have and stop pondering if others have it better.

Remember, someone will always be taller or more beautiful, live in a better apartment, have a wonderful family, etc.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. It is just our perception based on what we can see.

You are you; you can only become a better version of yourself and not another person.

Therefore, appreciate and accept your uniqueness. Tend your own garden and you will soon see it become greener than you could imagine.

 “Change the things that can be changed, accept those that cannot, and have the wisdom to know the difference.” Richard Carlson

Thanks for reading.