“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey

I stumbled across this quote while searching for inspiration one morning.

They are simple words put into a simple phrase, yet they hold a deep wisdom. The less is more philosophy is as old as time, and it is as relevant as ever. Here are some of the areas of life we can apply these words:

Possessions. This one is obvious, but it always needs to be addressed; because it takes practice, discipline, and self-control to be content with what we have. Also, it takes a level of maturity to be able to appreciate and be happy for someone else’s purchase or creation without feeling the need to have one for yourself too.

“If we are continually embracing contentment, we will find ourselves feeling inspiration rather than envy.”

Purpose.  Purpose, meaning, dreams, goals; these words are all associated with each other. I have a tendency to have my head in the clouds at times when I think about what I want to accomplish in life; and while it’s necessary to dream big, there is a balance with the here and now. I have been wracking my brain this past year trying to figure “what is my purpose in life”, and I ask myself this question each day. Then it hit me, perhaps the reason I could not find this epiphany I was looking for was because I was looking to far away from home… from that which I already have.

I work at a place with vast opportunity for impact, growth, and development… if I bring my best. I have a wife who has dreams that I play a part in, if only I begin to entertain those dreams as my own as well. I have two amazing daughters who are some of the most creative and inspiring humans I know; and they have been given to me. I have the privilege to pour love and encouragement into their lives, and guide them towards living an impactful life in this world.

Boom! Epiphany in the face.

“Greatness and purpose does not always lie in the unknown or uncharted territory.”

Craft. We each have a skill that we bring to the table, whether you know it or not.  Life expects something from us, and it expects nothing less than our best. Inside each of us, there are seeds of aptitude; a readiness to learn, develop, and create. We are born into this world with the greatest gift anyone could ask for…our minds. We come into this world with eyes full of wonder; and if we look at what we can bring to the world instead of tasking ourselves to master someone else’s craft, you may be surprised at what you are capable of.

Though we find ourselves moved deeply by a beautiful song, that doesn’t mean we have to be a musician. Because we are moved by the beauty of a painting, the thought put into each stroke of the brush; does not mean we have to be a painter. On the other hand, if you find yourself taking the reins at work, in your home, or even in planning a group hangout; perhaps you may have a natural tendency  to be a leader. If you find yourself deeply affected by stories of oppression, or people hurting; perhaps you have been gifted with a strong sense of empathy and compassion, both of which this world needs.

May we wake each day with eyes full of wonder, and a heart full of love. May we dream big, but start by looking at the life we are already living.