Why it's sometimes better not to have it all...

It's the message we get bombarded with every day- to be happy, you need to have it all. If you don't have the latest in phone technology, you should probably upgrade. If you're not happy with your current relationship status, then there's a solution (or several hundred). If you want to get that car but don't have the money, well there's a loan company ready to give you a hand.

It is so easy to get caught up in this society that says that when you see something you want, you should get it. I know I do on a regular basis. Oh and don't even get me started about what society says must happen when you don't get what you want.

Which is why, it was quite refreshing to be read the words of St John XXIII today that say...

"Feelings of my smallness and nothingness always kept me good company."

Now I have to admit, I do have a soft spot for John XXIII as the patron saint of my Parish. It is also his Saint day today but putting all that aside, these are some true words of wisdom we should all take note of in our lives.

While feeling in adequate or being treated badly is not right and should not be tolerated, I personally think that is not what John XXIII is talking about here. What he is talking about, is the fact that he comes from a poor family and like our current Pope Francis, lived a very humble life without much money or possessions, yet he didn't see that as a burden, but rather a blessing.

You see, sometimes it is good not to have everything. Just take a moment to think about what would happen if you did have everything you wanted.

Ok so not sure about you, but I'm pretty sure that if I had everything I wanted right now I would be relying solely on myself to make things happen, I'd be pretty unapproachable as others would see me as elitist over them even if they were my 'friends' and I know I wouldn't value things as much as I do know.

For me, having it all would mean the loss of who I am- I wouldn't be as strong in my faith, I wouldn't care about others as I wouldn't know what it means to not have and I wouldn't be grateful as I'd have so much I would just think it's normal, not special.

Feeling like you aren't the best at something or that you are missing something isn't the worst thing in the world. It can actually be a massive advantage if you think about it. 

Humility in yourself can lead you to:

• Better relate to others
• Have greater gratitude in what you have
• See the important things in life as important
• Trust in God rather than yourself

The key is to never see yourself as less than another. If you read one of my earlier pieces on this topic, it says that you should never see yourself as less or greater than anyone, but rather see them as your equal- as we each have unique gifts and talents to offer.

So let's all work today to live a life of humility instead of a life of wanting it all. If there's anytime today when you see something and you feel like I want that or why is that happening to that person but not me, then I strongly encourage you to step away and ask

1. Is this something I want rather than need?
2. Is this a chance to be humble?
3. Is there something in my life I can be grateful for ahead of this?

If the answer is yes to any of these three questions, then remind yourself about the words of St John XXIII listed above and move on. Doing so I can assure you will bring a lot more contentment long term than the object of desire ever will.

Till next time...