Don't compare

Not long ago I wrote a post about why we wouldn't be buying a house yet. I still 100% agree with everything I wrote in that post, and yet I must admit that there are times when I look longingly at other peoples' homes and dream of the day when we will own ours. We live in the most darling community. It is only about 10 years old, so pretty much everything is new construction. We are surrounded by brightly painted craftsmen style homes and modern condos. I love taking Luke for walks in the morning and looking at the cute homes, surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns and only blocks away from parks and community gardens.

Only problem? It's easy to start the comparison game.

When we moved into our apartment, just three months ago, we couldn't stop talking about all the features it had that we loved. Our previous two apartments were much older and therefore a bit run down, not to mention small. This complex was built only 3 years ago, so everything still feels new and clean. Plus, it's big. 1200 square feet, 9 foot ceilings in every room, big windows, an open concept kitchen and living room, wrap around balcony. We felt like we were "living the dream" by finding a place as nice as this.

I now am realizing however, how quickly, if you aren't careful, the charm can wear off, especially if you pay too much attention to what other people have.

The fact is, there will always be someone who has nicer things than us. That's just how the world works, and honestly I'm glad its that way. I wouldn't enjoy my morning walks nearly so much if every house on the street was the same.  Many of the reasons we fell in love with this apartment had to do with the fact that is was different than everywhere we had lived before.

So how do you keep from trying to keep up with the Joneses?

1. Count your blessings. That may sound cliche but its true. When I stop and think about all that we do have right now, I think a lot less about all that we don't have. 
2. Find like-minded friends. "Friends" doesn't have to actually mean people you hang out with (although that's important too). A few of my "friends" that help me keep things in perspective include: bloggers who live a similar lifestyle, books that inspire me, Pinterest boards with decorating ideas for our space, and Dave Ramsey (I know, nerd.)
3. Clean up. I have found that it is more easy to become discontented when our apartment is messy. When I take just a few minutes to clean things up, I see all the charm again that I loved in the beginning. Using a space well will always make you appreciate it more.

I am lucky to live such a good and happy life; I think most of us are. We just have to remember that, and most of all, don't compare.