Daily Question, June 23 What do I have enough of? How do I know when I have enough? 41 Reflections Share Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. Ed Schulte7 years agoEd SchulteWhat do I have enough of? How do I know when I have enough? Old Sufi Proverb: “You never know what is “enough” until you know what is “MORE THAN” enough.” 0 Reply Kim SD7 years agoKim SDHow do I know when I have enough? The second half of this daily question intrigues me. I am aware of having enough in so many areas, but what makes me aware of this. When do I not have enough? Any time I am feeling a lack, it is probably because I am putting myself into the past or the future. In the present, all is well--I always have enough and more. One of the ways I have trained myself to cope with an exceedingly busy and productive life is to reassure myself with this mantra: "There is... How do I know when I have enough? The second half of this daily question intrigues me. I am aware of having enough in so many areas, but what makes me aware of this. When do I not have enough? Any time I am feeling a lack, it is probably because I am putting myself into the past or the future. In the present, all is well–I always have enough and more. One of the ways I have trained myself to cope with an exceedingly busy and productive life is to reassure myself with this mantra: “There is plenty of time.” Even though viewed through anxious eyes life seems short, to me this still rings true. There IS plenty of time to live right now. There is enough time to pet the cat, cook the meal, have the conversation, care for the child, enjoy the garden. I know I have enough because I can say yes to what life offers right now! What a luxurious life I have; I think I’ll go take a nap! Read More3 Reply Aine7 years agoAineI’m grateful to be alive. I’m grateful for the love that surrounds me in my husband, good friends, and my animals. I’m grateful for the helpers to come fill in the gaps in yard work or projects. I’m grateful that what we need comes when we are ready to receive it. Enough is always available. 5 Reply Megan7 years agoMeganEnough food …. enough material things ….. enough love and enough breath and eyesight and goodwill to know it all and now this evening to dwell there. My gratitude for this opportunity 4 Reply Jill7 years agoJillI have enough..and often too much of everything. I've tried to change this but it's a struggle to liquidate things around me. It brings a lot of stress into my life. I sell online, so I've always got inventory sitting about, waiting for cleanup/repair and to be photographed and listed. It brings a lot of clutter. I need desperately to change things in my surroundings. My elderly father is a borderline hoarder so I have his hoarded areas, my business items laying about and also stored orderly, th... I have enough..and often too much of everything. I’ve tried to change this but it’s a struggle to liquidate things around me. It brings a lot of stress into my life. I sell online, so I’ve always got inventory sitting about, waiting for cleanup/repair and to be photographed and listed. It brings a lot of clutter. I need desperately to change things in my surroundings. My elderly father is a borderline hoarder so I have his hoarded areas, my business items laying about and also stored orderly, then our combined art supplies, books, etc. I’m constantly donating items but I can never seem to get ahead of this. I’m grateful that I have enough space in my home to have this problem. I’m grateful that I’m aware of the overabundance…so I can work on it until it’s better. Read More4 Reply Susan7 years agoSusanI can get up early in the morning and go for a walk - that is enough. Although I enjoy walking partners, I also appreciate walking by myself. I can reflect and meditate and enjoy the nature around me. I live in a 55+ mobile home park with trees - there's always room for more trees - but I am so grateful for the trees I see out my windows. That is enough. The houses, telephone poles, etc. and the trees don't get in the way when I look up at the sky and clouds. I can see and enjoy the su... I can get up early in the morning and go for a walk – that is enough. Although I enjoy walking partners, I also appreciate walking by myself. I can reflect and meditate and enjoy the nature around me. I live in a 55+ mobile home park with trees – there’s always room for more trees – but I am so grateful for the trees I see out my windows. That is enough. The houses, telephone poles, etc. and the trees don’t get in the way when I look up at the sky and clouds. I can see and enjoy the sunsets from my backyard and the sunrises from my front yard. A couple of evenings ago, my husband and I went for a walk around our community – just as the sun was setting. There were clouds everywhere in the sky, all lit up in gorgeous pinks and oranges. As we went around our neighborhood and gazed up in the sky, we had a 360% panorama view of the sky, clouds and this amazing sunset. I was able to capture three good photos of this sunset. That was enough. I have supportive neighbors, I live in a safe community and I can see the sunrises and sunsets. I can go for early morning walks. I can take deep breaths – both physically and spiritually. That is plenty, that is enough. Read More4 Reply Kevin7 years agoKevinBeautiful! Thank you. 1 Reply kathleen7 years agokathleenI have enough mindfulness/awareness to be present and that is all I need. When I come back to the breath then I know I have enough. I don’t realize this a lot of the time of course but it is the truth. So good to turn the attention to what is already present 5 Reply karmit7 years agokarmitIn this moment I have enough of everything, because there is nothing I need, nothing I need to do and nowhere that I need to go. This moment is at it is. This moment is all that I will ever have. It is perfect as it is and I am grateful. 4 Reply KC7 years agoKCI have enough material things – food, shelter, even economic resources. How do I know when I have enough? This question helps to name my longing which is not generally about these things. 4 Reply Anne M. Costa7 years agoAnne M. CostaI have enough love in my heart because Jesus puts it there and it flows from His heart to mine. I am full with His love and I must share it, let it spill over like a jostled cup and seep through the broken, cracked spaces of my own earthen vessel. 5 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryI always say I don’t have enough time, I want more time, and I joke that time is my friend, (not). But maybe I do have enough time and my complaints about time is just part of my glass half full mentality. I have time for this moment. I have time for my life giving breath I have time to pet my cats and feel their silky fur and I have time to listen to them purr and watch them eat and groom and play in their wonderful catness. Given that my husband stays well and comes home to me tonight, I ha... I always say I don’t have enough time, I want more time, and I joke that time is my friend, (not). But maybe I do have enough time and my complaints about time is just part of my glass half full mentality. I have time for this moment. I have time for my life giving breath I have time to pet my cats and feel their silky fur and I have time to listen to them purr and watch them eat and groom and play in their wonderful catness. Given that my husband stays well and comes home to me tonight, I have time to tell him I love him and spend the evening with him. I have time for the important things. I have worries and regrets and I have time to do what I can and then give it all over to God. I have time for the eternal now. I am going to experiment with looking at the spaciousness of time today- the glass which is half full. Maybe I’ll just switch glasses, my measure of what is enough, and watch my glass overflow. Mary Read More5 Reply Kevin7 years agoKevinLove this, Mary. Thank you! 0 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryThank you Kevin! Thanks for being such a reliable, wise and kind voice on gratefulness. I always love to read your your responses and don’t feel that I”ve finished reading until I see what you have to say. Mary 0 Reply Aine7 years agoAineThere isn’t much that says “enough” than watching a much loved pet asleep in a sunbeam. They give themselves over so completely to their moment, in peace and safety, no worries, no thinking about what they “need” to do when they awaken. For them, there is only the acceptance of being surrounded by love, care, and a world of goodness. I think I could learn a lot from my dogs and cat! 😀 2 Reply Susan7 years agoSusanEven though I don't have any pets, I do understand the depth of love and care in a home with pets. It is a beneficial relationship that people, dogs and cats share together. There is so much learning but it is indeed learning based on lots of love. I can just picture your dogs and cat, asleep in a sunbeam of a window, relaxed, well care for, and thus at peace. Isn't what you are learning from your dogs and cat a reflection of the TLC that you are giving to your pets? They are able to sleep ... Even though I don’t have any pets, I do understand the depth of love and care in a home with pets. It is a beneficial relationship that people, dogs and cats share together. There is so much learning but it is indeed learning based on lots of love. I can just picture your dogs and cat, asleep in a sunbeam of a window, relaxed, well care for, and thus at peace. Isn’t what you are learning from your dogs and cat a reflection of the TLC that you are giving to your pets? They are able to sleep peacefully in a sunbeam, because they live in a home where they are accepted, cared for and loved. Read More0 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryI was thinking just the same thing Jill. Aine has created this safe gentle world for her pets. In many ways we can do this for ourselves. It starts with mindfulness, gratefulness, and giving love. Mary 0 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryAine, I absolutely agree with you. We can learn so much about being in the moment from our animal friends. These guys and girls really know how to relax and feel their comfort. It is as though they become the comfort. ( Like the question “what would grace do?”, how about the question,” What would comfort do?” I think comfort would lay down with our animals.) Mary 0 Reply Kevin7 years agoKevinSo true, Mary. Our dog Gracie has been on 24 hour watch-dog overdrive since my back surgery three weeks ago. I move, she moves, I walk around the yard with my cane and she follows right behind me…and she’s blind too, which never stops her from attending to me. Gracie loves life, and all I have to do is look at her with her smiley face (even though she can’t see) and whatever little weight I was feeling just drifts away. 1 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryWhat a gift she is! Pure gift! 0 Reply Celeste7 years agoCelesteI am here, breathing, being peaceful, and my basic needs are met and more. I have enough and know I have enough when I recognize that I don’t need anything more. It reminds me of something that David Steindl-Rast said, and I paraphrase, along the lines of it’s good to live with less so that our cups may more easily run over bringing gratitude and joy. 3 Reply Ginni7 years agoGinniWhat an amazing question! In the few minutes that I reflected on this I realized that I, and probably many in this society are constantly thinking that they don't have enough! What a shift to think this way. A basic response is that I have enough of all the material things that I need to survive: food, shelter. clothing. This is truly a blessing that I think I take for granted. I do realize that I have enough love in my life. This is love that comes to me and that I give. Sometimes I thi... What an amazing question! In the few minutes that I reflected on this I realized that I, and probably many in this society are constantly thinking that they don’t have enough! What a shift to think this way. A basic response is that I have enough of all the material things that I need to survive: food, shelter. clothing. This is truly a blessing that I think I take for granted. I do realize that I have enough love in my life. This is love that comes to me and that I give. Sometimes I think I’m lacking in this area because of being single, but I continue to see more and more the other, and often greater loves that I have such as my children, grandchildren, and friends. So I am truly, truly blessed. Read More6 Reply Susan7 years agoSusanSometimes, when I first read the 'Daily Question', I react and think 'what kind of question is that?' then I start to reflect and find that it is indeed a very profound and deep question. This second question really did have me ponder - it is OK to have enough at any given moment or phase in our lives? I am almost a 'Senior Citizen' and if I do live another 30 years or so, I don't want doctors or family members to 'drag out' my life with 'advanced medical procedures, etc.' - I would like to ... Sometimes, when I first read the ‘Daily Question’, I react and think ‘what kind of question is that?’ then I start to reflect and find that it is indeed a very profound and deep question. This second question really did have me ponder – it is OK to have enough at any given moment or phase in our lives? I am almost a ‘Senior Citizen’ and if I do live another 30 years or so, I don’t want doctors or family members to ‘drag out’ my life with ‘advanced medical procedures, etc.’ – I would like to be able to decide myself, when the time comes – ‘It is enough’ and let my life be my story and legacy to pass on to my family. And to let go and let God. Read More0 Reply Deb7 years agoDebMary Poppins says “Enough is as good as a feast!”. I have always had enough of what is needed at any given moment. I have been poverty stricken and had a place to live, enough food, work, friendships and inner peace. I have been broken hearted and had enough courage,perseverance and serendipity to continue the journey. I think we always have enough of what is needed, especially if we keep our senses and heart peeled to recognize it. 6 Reply Anonymous7 years agoAnonymousThat sounds like a good Word for the Day quote, Deb – thanks for that and for your wise words… 1 Reply Deb7 years agoDebI am glad you appreciate the quote, Margaret! I collect wise sayings, as I am adept at recognizing them (and not at composing them myself) and this one is a favorite! Enjoy the remainder of your day! Cheers! 0 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryI agree with Margaret- Enough is as good as a feast! Thank you Deb. I am going to remember that one. Mary 0 Reply Elizabeth Jenkins7 years agoElizabeth JenkinsI am thrilled to find out that I still have enough memory to remember my password for this website as I return to it. I often find out that I have enough by having too much or not enough. The feeling of having too much (food, stuff, things to do, etc.) is a feeling of noise, bloat, clutter, and "stuffedness." The feeling of having not enough (to do, because I am and have been so fortunate in so many other respects) is a feeling of vacancy that requires me to come home and occupy myself so I ... I am thrilled to find out that I still have enough memory to remember my password for this website as I return to it. I often find out that I have enough by having too much or not enough. The feeling of having too much (food, stuff, things to do, etc.) is a feeling of noise, bloat, clutter, and “stuffedness.” The feeling of having not enough (to do, because I am and have been so fortunate in so many other respects) is a feeling of vacancy that requires me to come home and occupy myself so I can reflect on what really needs to be done rather than just being busy. In some ways it’s like Goldilocks and bowls of porridge; Little Bear’s bowl was “just right.” It’s good to learn to take a child sized portion all over again, then there might be enough to go around. Read More9 Reply Palm7 years agoPalm???? 0 Reply Gina7 years agoGinaI know I have enough ….trust it, feel it, yearn for it…it is always there. life is so fragile… a friend of mine was found sitting in a chair 2 days ago, unable to speak or move…. turns out she has a brain tumor and is on life supports.. it is enough to know it is possible she will make a recovery…… so hard to believe but there is hope….always enough hope. 5 Reply Kevin7 years agoKevinHello Gina, indeed, life is so fragile. My thoughts and prayers for your friend’s recovery. 0 Reply Aine7 years agoAineWow, Gina. I will pray for your friend, and for you. 0 Reply Anna7 years agoAnnaI am sorry for your friend Gina and also for your own pain. There are no words. Know that I think of you. 2 Reply Gina7 years agoGinaThank- you so much… She is sitting up and talking… 0 Reply Anonymous7 years agoAnonymousI have enough tools to grow inside. I know I have enough when my thoughts are turned towards being content within. 7 Reply Michael7 years agoMichaelI have shelter, food, water, clothes. I have love in my life. my health is good and moving towards even better, I have a passion and a purpose. now…how to ensure that the collective, the human “race” has each of these…that’s our calling. 6 Reply Peter7 years agoPeterI have enough food, shelter and material needs. i know i have enough when my wanting calms down and is satisfied and thus action rises out of a motive to share and not the motive to meet a desire. 7 Reply Mary7 years agoMaryIt is amazing how much better it feels to share than to wish for more. Thank you for the reminder. On another note I absolutely love your icon! Mary 0 Reply Anonymous7 years agoAnonymousExcellent. 0 Reply Christina7 years agoChristinaI read something in one of my daily meditation books that seems apropos: I have enough hope (a wise friend said a man can’t live without hope,) fellowship, good health. I have felt fleeting moments of contentment (very unsettling, actually!) when I knew I didn’t need for anything. 5 Reply 1 2 Next » My Private Gratitude Journal Write an entry in your private gratefulness journal Get Started This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A. CONTRIBUTE https://demo.gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png Community Engagement Guidelines Privacy Policy [email protected] Connect with us on Social Media: © 2000 - 2024, A Network for Grateful Living Website by Briteweb