“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” ~ Frederick Keonig
If I look back at my childhood now, I can only see bright colors, but I still remember how, many years ago, I didn’t think I was such a lucky child – when a kid doesn’t get its way, he or she unfailingly believes that parents are the spawn of Satan. Because of such a typical thinking pattern, I can see how children easily identify with the main character in the movie “Coraline”.
I cannot think of many people who honestly believe their reality is just right for them; most of us don’t comprehend the value of what we have until it is gone - it is part of human nature to underestimate the worth of what surrounds us, and to take people and situations for granted.
Furthermore, things aren’t always as they seem – what’s perfect on the surface may just be a nice cover. There is a huge difference between pursuing a dream and chasing a fantasy. A dream is something pure which provides the fuel to try harder; a fantasy is something that looks wonderful - which we would gladly substitute reality with - until the switch fatally occurs. If most truly had the choice of forfeiting their reality for a fantasy, I doubt they would go through with it – too much lost and nothing granted.
By constantly seeking perfection we justify not finding the happiness we are entitled to. A quest for perfection is nothing more than a defensive response – until the situation or person we judge through an unrealistic list of expectations can meet a bar set way too high, we are exonerated from commitment, and we don’t have to face underlying fears and self-doubt.
Ultimately, as Oscar Wilde once said, the best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one. The same applies to relationships – despite the flaws, could we imagine life without someone we love? If we can, some inner housekeeping is certainly needed, but if the answer is not, there is not a moment to lose to show those we love what their presence means in our lives.
