There is a famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt that has really struck home with me over the last few years:
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
I didn’t grow up with much, which was hard to understand sometimes when I was a kid, but I’m actually glad that I wasn’t born rich. My parents made some bad decisions with their finances over the years, but they always found ways to provide for our family. Their struggles with money warned me early on that mismanaging money can lead to a lot of stress and unhappiness, but they also taught me a lot of ways to be creative with the things we did have, and to appreciate the things we did have right then and there.
Making The Most Of What You Have In The Moment
I used to have a lot of fun making things out of ordinary items just lying around the house. I turned shoe boxes and picture wire into musical instruments, made new outfits and handbags out of old clothes and fabric scraps, and used strips of cardboard to organize my dresser drawers. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and a positive attitude to realize we have more than we think.
If you ever watched MacGyver, remember how he always found ways to solve problems with whatever was lying around when he was in a jam? I always thought that was so cool! Next time before you run out to the store to buy something, give yourself a chance to be resourceful and see if you already have something at your house that you can use instead. You’ll save money while being eco-friendly reusing what you already have.
For those of you who’ve ever read the magazine Real Simple, I’m sure you love the pages they have on new ways to use everyday things as much as I do! One of the best tips I now use several times a week is using rubber bands to open jars and bottles that are new or screwed on too tight. Who would have thought that something I had lying around in my desk drawer would get so much use in the kitchen. Plus I saved myself about $45 not having to buy an electric lid opener!
Appreciate What You’ve Got Right Now
Have you ever been friends with someone who always wanted to go to the most expensive restaurants, shop for the latest everything all the time, and stay at only the highest rated hotels? I have, and I admit it was hard not to feel jealous and also a bit envious of her until I realized how stupid I was for feeling that way.
What about your arch rival who now has a dream job getting paid to travel the world with a supermodel while dining at the top rated Michelin star restaurants? If you’re green with envy, it’s time to get over yourself and turn your misery into a healthy amount of competition, which will do you good.
The day we stop appreciating what we’ve already got and the life we have, is the day we become miserable, unhappy, and no fun to be around. If I can help you make one change today I hope it will be to let go of any jealousy and resentment you have of other people and to be thankful for everything you already have. Don’t waste your life griping! Take a look around you and be thankful that you’re alive and have the power to make your own decisions, embrace change, and be an incredible untemplate person!
Make the most out of each day. It will really change your life! One of my biggest highs is being productive, staying active, and being in the moment. Think about the saying:
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the “present.”
Have Hope And Keep Fighting!
If there’s something going on in your life right now that’s really bothering you whether it’s related to work, your business, health, family, or school, try not to let it get you down. Why? You have more than you think! There are always going to be tough periods in our lives where we’ve had to face obstacles and adversities.
Life isn’t supposed to be easy all the time. That’s just how reality is – unpredictable. Remember that we all get stronger each time we stand up after we’ve been knocked down, we get smarter each time we push through a wall and come out on the other side, and these are the stories and experiences that enrich our lives.
Sometimes it seems like life isn’t fair, especially when you hear about bad things happening to good people, or children fighting for their lives against terrible diseases. But even amongst all of those “whys” and the heaviness they bring, there is still incredible hope and strength. And it’s powerfully inspiring.
An example I stumbled upon recently is an inspiring music video put together by the staff and children at a ward of Seattle Children’s hospital for young patients fighting cancer and blood diseases. They are lip synching to Kelly Clarkson’s song, Stronger. You may have already seen it by now, but if not you may want to go grab a tissue now because these kids will melt your heart. They are SO STRONG and are inspirational examples of making the most of what they have in the moment.
Untemplaters, how are you making the most of what you have in the moment? What creative ways have you saved money using things you already owned? How are you going to enjoy today?
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What an awesome message – thanks for the reality check.
My favorite quote from the article was “The day we stop appreciating what we’ve already got and the life we have, is the day we become miserable, unhappy, and no fun to be around.”
Too often we are thinking about what we “don’t” have vs. making the most of what we already have and so for me this was a great reminder to stop and smell the roses 🙂
BTW – I hadn’t seen the Seattle Children’s Hospital videos yet and they were fantastic! What a great idea by that group and I bet the kids just loved creating it.
Thanks Stu! That’s exactly right about letting go of our thoughts of all the “don’t haves” so we can look around us and feel good about how much we DO have. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the videos of the kids. I included the response video from Kelly too because I loved seeing how excited and happy they were to hear from her and how people are responding so positively and showing support. So inspiring!
I’ll admit that sometimes, I get caught in the trap of not making the most of what I have and being envious of others. But I’m very fortunate and I do know that.
Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves that we have more than we think. I still get jealous of other people from time to time but a whole lot less than I used to. And I try to write a list of things I’m thankful a few times a year and it really helps. I’m happy to hear you have a lot to be thankful for! 🙂
Awesome, awesome, awesome post. I always try to remind myself of how fortunate I am. We have a tendency to get so focused on what we don’t have, we’re completely blind to all of the great things we have in our lives.
Today, I’m grateful that I can attend a presentation by the Cato Institute. It’s about poverty in America. I’m sure there will be some discussion around wasteful government spending. For the most part, the event is free for me. I hear a great lunch is provided by the organization AND I get to learn. Needless to say, I’m super pumped about it.
Wow I’m touched. Thank you so much, you just made my day! :). Your day sounds really exciting!! Being able to get a yummy lunch and learn at the same time for practically free is super cool! Perfect example of making the most of what you have in the moment. There are lots of neat opportunities like these in life that we can really benefit from if we jut put in a little time and energy. Have a great time!
One of the biggest things that has helped me overcome jealousy is karma. I am happy for those who have more and have great lives because I believe they did incredible good in the past to reward them for their good fortunes.
That’s a good way to look at it. Jealousy can really eat away at people’s happiness and they aren’t fun to be around at all. People naturally want to gravitate to those who are positive, embrace life and all its challenges, and find ways to give back, just like you!
I often forget just how lucky I am, thanks for the reminder!
You’re very welcome Neale! 🙂
So true Sydney, thanks for the reminder! You can’t always be prepared for what life throws at you but you can handle it with dignity and grace.
That’s right. Keeping our heads up, learning from our mistakes, and appreciating what we have and making the most of each day will bring smiles to our faces and those around us.
Your article really felt like a good pat on the back. I love the part about making the most out of the moment and getting a better sense of appreciation. It’s very empowering. Thanks.
That’s great it made you feel good about yourself and gave you a boost. I love hearing feedback like this! Thanks Amy!
Inspiring message, Sydney! Like you, I was just an ordinary kid back then who did not get to experience the best in life that a kid can experience. But somehow, we have always been a happy family despite our financial struggles. I’ve learned that happiness is a choice – as long as you learn to be content and make do with what you have, you can always appreciate life and be happy even in tough situations 🙂
Thanks Mae! Spot on – happiness is TOTALLY a choice!! We really can change our outlook on life around just by being thankful for what we have, living in the moment, and being positive.
Agree 🙂 Being grateful in life is such a good disposition that attracts positive things.
make the most out of each day…that is just the best advise. thanks for the inspiring article. as a child i had very little and feel miserable when i see wealth around me.