Yesterday I was listening to the radio and a Justin Bieber song came on.
I’m not a 13 year old so I’m not so-in-love with Justin Beiber and generally I just let his music fade into the background if it happens to be on somewhere near me. It’s not terribly offensive to me but it’s just not something I love or care about.
Yesterday in the car I decided to actually listen to the lyrics for some reason. That is when I heard this:
But the grass ain’t always greener on the other side,
It’s green where you water it
OMG. Did I just learn something deep from a Justin Bieber song?
Of course it’s the part from Big Sean in the song As Long As You Love Me and it’s unlikely Justin Beiber wrote those words himself. But I’ll still give him credit for this because it’s a pretty good lesson for everyone to learn.
Basically this is a lesson in comparison and in contentment.
It’s about being happy with what you have instead of yearning for everything you don’t have.
You might think losing 50 pounds or changing careers or finding a new love will make your life so much better. If you only had those other things other people had you would be so, so very happy! Right? Other people get to be happy because they have an easier life and the right partner and the perfect job in your eyes. But as these lyrics state, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You don’t need those things to be happy and have a fulfilled life.
The grass is green where you water it. You can find the happiness and contentment that you think is on the “other side” with what you have right now. You just have to water, or nurture what you have.
You might not have the job you want but you can nurture your career with education and other experiences. You might not have the body you want but you can nurture it by accepting it and treating it the best you can with healthy food and exercise. You can learn to appreciate what you have by taking care of it and it will develop into exactly what you wanted.
The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s just different. Stop looking at what other people have and instead take care of what you have right in front of you. Chances are it is or will be exactly what you wanted.
So maybe little Justin Beiber taught me something with his song. Or maybe I knew this all along and the lyrics just spurred me to clarify my thoughts and put it into action in my own life. Either way, it’s a lesson I’m happy to have learned.
{ 14 comments }
amen amen amen
Finding joy in the present moment, and breathing that in. here, here
Eating as a Path to Yoga´s last [type] ..Interview with Evelyn Tribole, Part 2
Goodness me…… Thanks for that simple and to the point perspective! Wonderful!
love. and agree.
Miz´s last [type] ..I found my voice in the weight room.
The bible says to be content in whatsoever state we are in, the words from that song only echo that thought in todays words. I love the way you explained it, to give hope to all those that do feel that someone else always has it better or has more. What a very wise daughter I have, so loveing and kind, with such insight. Great Post!
Love you-Love Kepa
MOM
Preach it sister! (And Biebs)
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh´s last [type] ..Old Demons
Wow…who knew I could learn something from Justin Beiber this morning???? Great quote, great message. Thanks Mary!!!
Very great post hank you for sharing this with us
I just posted that quote on my FB page early this morn! Great minds think alike! :-) Let’s water it! :-)
Jody – Fit at 54´s last [type] ..Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Who would’ve thought there was some deep meaning in the Biebs songs? LOL! But kidding aside, that’s a nice thought to ponder about, the grass is green where you water it. Sometimes you just need that gentle push to start on an undertaking, however big or small.
Chiropractors in San Diego´s last [type] ..See 3DRX videos of your condition!
Well, who knew? ;)
Well said.
ill be honest, ive never listened to the lyrics of any justin bieber song, i def tune them out when i’m unlucky enough to hear them. good for you and being open minded with them lol.
merri´s last [type] ..Tonite I tried this kale and goat cheesed stuffed portobello…
So needed to read this! Thanks for posting.
The Biebs is good for something ;)
Christina´s last [type] ..Friday Favorites
OMG, I heard that song this weekend and had the same reaction, but I had NO clue it was from Biebs! Ha, embarassing!
Who would have thought. I read an article the other day about self-acceptance. You have to learn to accept yourself for who you are. Too many times we are worried about what other people have. Take time to appreciate what you have. Make your side the greener side :)