Transitions Kuel Thought Leader: Nancy Tepper
“The Grass is Greener Where You Water It.”
What does this phrase mean? In simple terms, it means that if you want your “lawn” to be green, you take care of it.
“It takes insight, time, and patience to figure out what your own “yard” needs to grow, and instant gratification is a nebulous concept.”
Have A “Green” Lawn:
You will have to water it, fertilize it, and do whatever else is needed to make it flourish. Obviously, this is a metaphor, but its meaning is significant if you want to achieve happiness in your life.
It takes hard work, an investment of time in ourselves and our relationships with others, to have a “green” lawn. It’s about looking inwards and not outwards to figure out what you need for your own happiness. Benchmarking and comparison can oftentimes become the thief of our own joy, taking away our confidence, and making us feel unworthy.
Investing the time to understand how to “water our own grass” is difficult. It takes insight, time, and patience to figure out what your own “yard” needs to grow, and instant gratification is a nebulous concept… after all a lawn doesn’t turn green overnight. You will need to work on your relationships, career, self-care. Whatever it is, investing the time and effort will yield results.
It’s Time To Water Your Own Backyard:
If the grass looks greener somewhere else, then it’s time to water your own backyard. Figure out what you want, put in the work, and plan for change and growth. The green you see in other people’s yards didn’t just happen. They made it happen by being diligent, steadfast, and working hard to achieve their own goals.
“You need to put on “blinders” and stop comparing and feeling less than.”
The consistent effort with intention will eventually get results. One single gym trip won’t get you in shape. It takes months of determination to see a change and reap the rewards. The same is true with people who are showing up for themselves, giving their best efforts. Ultimately those people will enjoy the benefits of their hard work and they will build and grow the garden that they want. You need to put on “blinders” and stop comparing and feeling less than.
Put in the work, have confidence in yourself, and make the changes you need for your own growth and happiness. Look for progress in your own yard and avoid comparing yours to others. Working hard on your own life will make your own grass green and strong.
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About the Author:
Nancy Tepper is a 54 year- old mother of three living in New York City and having fun in this next chapter. She loves tennis, yoga, and is an avid reader. Nancy loves spending time with family and friends and loves to help people. She is currently a member of the Board and Executive Director of Stand Up! Girls which is a non-profit offering stand-up comedy classes to under-served girls in the five boroughs of New York City. Nancy is also a co-founder of MT Nesters podcast which offers valuable advice and inspiration to women who are empty nested and trying to pivot. Lastly, Nancy is a certified Life Coach and works with people who want to transition, or individuals who want to make positive changes in their lives
