Use what you have to get what you want

I know how the title may sound, but it’s not like that. I promise.

The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s why I couldn't write to you. This is a personal blog. So it’s hard to write and separate the personal from whatever topic I have in mind.

As always, I had a couple of drafts I couldn’t bring myself to completing. I also didn’t want to use this avenue to rant. It wasn’t necessary.

I’m quite better now so I’ll share something I came across a couple of weeks ago that resonated with me. It was a tweet from Imade Iyamu — about making use of what you have, instead of complaining about what you don’t have.

It’s something I do — almost quite often. For me, I do appreciate the things I have and try to make good use of them. But sometimes, it's really difficult to not focus or complain about what I don't have; knowing full well that once I get ABC, things will get better. I will get better. Or that life will be a bit easier for me.

I have so many instances from several aspects of my life I'd rather not mention.

But I do know it's okay to acknowledge that you don't have something. The goal is not to dismiss these thoughts without thinking through them; neither is it to dwell on that (negative thought).

The goal is to deal with them and make a positive decision or thought — which in this case, will be choosing to dwell on the things you have (no matter how small).

Here's how this thought process of acknowledging lacks and moving on to the next course of action might look like:

Okay, I don't have this. I really wish I did. It’s sad. I am sad.

But where does that leave me?

Do I wait till I get what I need before I do this?

What can I do in the mean time to get to my destination, or at least closer enough until I get what I need?

Or what's the next best possible course of action?

I know it's not as easy as it sounds. You’ll likely not get it on your first try. But you have to keep trying. The truth is, life keeps going. Time moves. And so you too have to move, no matter how slow.

Be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace. You’re trying. (I hope I can take my own advice)

With love and kindness,

Dorcas

---

Last year, I picked up colouring as a hobby and got myself a colouring book. Here are 4 pages I’ve coloured (1st and 3rd are my favourites):