The grass isn't greener on the other side. It's greener where you water and fertilise it

"The grass is always greener on the other side" is a popular proverb. It refers to the perception that, as human beings, our attitude is that someone else has a better job, more money, the better car, better spouse, better relationships and more opportunities. It refers to the insatiable greed that we have and the perception of self insufficiency. 

The newer twist to this age-old proverb states a deeper truth. The grass will not be green on your side till you water and fertilise it! If you're staring jealously at something else that seems better than what you have, chances are that someone else put a lot of effort, time and thought to get what he or she has now. And you don't have it because you haven't yet worked that hard yet. 

Everything needs nurturing, effort and time to become lusher and greener. It could be your relationships, your career, your character, your abilities or your 'stuff'. Whether it is who you are or what you have - it will happen only if you put effort into it. Anything that you achieve with a good amount of effort will also seem greener - for it is the fruit of your labour. Working hard on a relationship is worth it. Putting effort into a home is worth it. Spending quality time with your kids is worth it. Working towards job satisfaction is worth it. A few sleepless nights to score better in your examination is worth it. 

So don't end up grumpy and jealous while you look at what others have achieved. That's the fruit of their labour. Your life and your achievements are the fruit of your labour. Starijg jealously at your neighbours lush lawn will now make yours greener. Get down to work on your own lawn. Now it, fertilise it, water it and nurture it. That's how it will get greener!