Sometimes (or maybe often) there’s a gap between the way things are, and the way we want them to be.

• Our home, versus the home we want to occupy.

• Our bank account, versus the bank account we seek to have.

• Our résumé, versus the résumé we hoped to have built.

• Our respect among peers, versus the respect we think we deserve.

• Our physical appearance, versus the way we want to look.

When these disparities occur, it’s no use loathing the gap.

If it’s that important, we should work to intentionally narrow the gap by working purposefully toward our goals.

But in some cases — particularly in areas where we have no control — we should consider eliminating the gap entirely by adopting an attitude of contentment… living fully in the present, with acceptance, and a spirit of gratitude.