Recently, I had a revealing conversation with a friend about my constant chase for the next big thing, despite crossing off some truly significant goals. Here I am, living my dream of traveling Southeast Asia, enveloped by its beauty and vibrant energy, yet I catch myself longing for more. Each morning, as I wake up grateful for this incredible adventure and the amazing people I’ve shared it with, I can’t shake the feeling that a piece of the puzzle is still missing.
I once naively thought that jet-setting across the world would give me the life answers I was seeking. But there I was, questioning everything. “Really, Dee? When will you sit back and just celebrate what you’ve got? Can you ever stop wanting more?” My mind became a battleground of doubt, self-criticism, and guilt.
I chose to sit with those feelings, to let them flow through me without resistance. Embracing these emotions led me to a simple truth: wanting more is inherently human. It doesn’t signify ungratefulness or restlessness, but a desire to fully embrace life, to dream big, and to navigate the beautifully chaotic human experience.
Growing up, the phrase “be happy with what you have” led me to confuse contentment with settling. If I’m truly grateful and satisfied with the now, is it wrong to chase after a better tomorrow? However, I’ve come to understand that it’s natural to feel content yet not completely settled. It’s possible to be at peace with the present, and still harbor aspirations that mirror our values and desires. My deep appreciation for life today does not wane when I acknowledge there’s more I wish to achieve.
This longing for more helps us step beyond our comfort zone and challenge the norm—it’s what got me on a plane in the first place, chasing my own version of adventure across the globe. Even though my travels have helped me expand in contentment, I’m still committed to reaching for what’s next. But navigating this balance isn’t easy—contentment alone may lead to stagnation, and constant striving without appreciation can cause feelings of emptiness.
So, if you’re looking for that sweet spot between satisfaction and ambition, remember these guiding principles:
- Reflect on your desires: Understanding your why will help you clarify which pursuits are most aligned and enriching for your life.
- Practice gratitude: Regularly pause to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. This practice grounds you in the present and increases your appreciation for the journey.
- Pursue your passions: Do what resonates with your core, even if it contradicts society’s expectations.
- Know when to rest: In some seasons, you’ll push forward. In others, you’ll slow down to enjoy or recalibrate. Understand which one serves you.
- Welcome life’s dualities: Recognize that contentment and aspiration can exist together. Accepting where you are today, doesn’t mean you agree to stay there forever.
- Embrace challenges: Step out of your comfort zone with small, bold actions toward your dreams.
- Reflect, celebrate, adjust: Remember to acknowledge your progress, celebrate your courage, take in your achievements, and realign your goals with your evolving vision.
The journey towards balancing contentment and ambition is uniquely yours. By integrating these practices into your life, you can create space for both to exist harmoniously. Embrace where you are today, dream about where you want to be tomorrow, and understand that the space between is where life’s true magic happens.