Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Greener pastures
Is the grass greener on the other side or is it a matter of perception? Vidushi Seneviratne and Ishani Ranasinghe find out
You might be the richest teenager on earth but we’re sure you will still find something to whine about… your hair, complexion, where you live or your name. In most instances, we always want something else. Why? Because as they say, the grass is greener on the other side.

“We think there is always something better than what we have,” says Amanthi (18).
How many people you know just hate their names? Shortened forms and variations are usually adopted by those who are dissatisfied with their given names. And then there are also some individuals who actually go to the extent of changing their names legally.
Then there are the people who are anxious to get out of Sri Lanka. They argue that education-wise they have better opportunities abroad.

Ironically when those who want to go abroad finally do get to go… they miss home. “I wish I was at home and envy everyone who is back there,” says Shehara (18) who started University in America. There are many changes around us and sometimes we too feel the need to change. But is the grass greener on the other side? And is it really greener? “I think perspective is what makes the grass look greener,” says Shevanthi (19).

Many feel that as we make changes in our lives, we have to ask ourselves the question… are we running from or running to something? “If we are running from something, we may find the greener grass a mirage,” says Rehan (19).

“I think it’s human nature to be dissatisfied,” says Kimara (18). She adds that we always want something we don’t have. 17-year-old Navin adds, “Once we get that, after some time we don’t want it anymore. We either want what we had before or something new altogether.”

Counsellor Ms. Indrani Abeysekera, has an explanation; “Teens are straddling two worlds and going through a struggle.” She explains that teenagers feel they have seen it all on this side and no longer value what they have.

Yes, sometime it just seems like what we really want is on the other side, but it could be a matter of perception. It is true that sometimes a change is needed. There are people stuck in bad jobs or relationships who could benefit from a change. It’s knowing when to change and when to stay that is important.

We are not saying that we should not look for better opportunities. But living by the adage “the grass is greener on the other side” could be risky. It’s not always the case. Most often, you have everything within your reach right now to live a rich and fulfilling life because at times, the greenest grass is right beneath your feet.

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