If you've ever looked at someone else's life and found yourself dissatisfied with your own, you're human. When you allow that dissatisfaction to grow and linger, however, it's time to put aside your envy and figure out how to love your own life instead.
Count Your Blessings
When you feel that your life leaves a lot to be desired, sit down and make a list of all things for which you have to be thankful. Include big blessings and small. A loving husband, a good job and an upcoming vacation are larger blessings that may be part of your life. Smaller blessings may include something as simple as the ability to make killer macaroni and cheese, a lush green lawn or great-looking hair. No matter how big or small, if it's something that makes you happy, add it to the list.
Get a New Perspective
While your life may seem dull and familiar to you, consider how it looks to others. Although you may be tired of schlepping the kids from one activity to another, the woman down the street who wants a baby desperately may look at your kids and think how fortunate you are to have such a talented brood. Your old friend from college may envy you your thin, svelte body without realizing that it came about as a result of immeasurable hours at the gym. Realize that while your life may seem ordinary to you, it may appear idyllic to those around you.
Take Off the Rose-Colored Glasses
Just as people don't see behind the scenes when they look at your life, you don't see the hidden nuances of theirs either. Realize that the movie star you admire who seemed to rise to sudden fame really worked as a waitress for the past decade, taking whatever parts she could get before she skyrocketed to the top. When you only have an outsider's view of someone else's life, their circumstances appear perfect, making your life pale in comparison. If you knew the whole story, though, you'd realize that everyone has their ups and downs.
Lose the Apathy
Many of us become apathetic about our lives at some point. When that happens to you, ask yourself where the excitement went. What used to cause you to spring out of bed early in the morning, eager to get on with the day? Whether it was the novel you were writing, the promise of a new relationship or a cross-country move, think back to a time when you were excited about your life and do your best to replicate that feeling. While it may be something entirely new at this stage in your life, throw yourself into a new project and see if you can recapture that sense of magic and enthusiasm.
Almost everyone gets bored with their day-to-day existence at some point. It's only natural. When you start thinking that you'd rather live someone else's life rather than your own, though, it's time to reevaluate. By either focusing on what's good about your life or changing those things you're not happy with, you, too, can learn to love your life again.
