Wanting what you have
On my Thanksgiving Facebook Live, I talked about one of my favorite concepts I learned during certification at The Life Coach School. Here’s how it works: make a list of 25 things you want to be, have or do in life. Then look at the list and take note of how many items on that list you already have. If you’re anything like me, the answer will be zero.
The idea of consciously wanting what you have was completely foreign to me, but once I tried it, I was hooked. This practice is both profound and empowering. I like to think of it as taking gratitude to the next level.
Taking responsibility
Wanting what you have helps you to create love and acceptance for where you are right now, while also inspiring you to change and grow. This practice teaches you to take 100% responsibility for your life. Your spouse is not your spouse because you got married 10 years ago. They are your spouse because every day you have chosen to keep them as your spouse. When you accept responsibility for your life, you get to decide what aspects you want to keep and which you want to change.
There is always another option
If you ever catch yourself saying that you don’t have a choice, notice that this is a lie. We all have free will. There is always a different option. You may not like the other options, or perhaps, you’re just not willing to do whatever it takes to pursue them. If this is you, own it. You are the only person responsible for your life.
I challenge you to practice wanting what you have. Sit down and make a list of 25 things that you already are, have or do, and want to keep. Notice how this feels different than gratitude. Pay attention to what aspects of your life you don’t want to include on this list. Take responsibility for that and decide what you’re going to do about it.
