Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect（反映）on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can realty poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current （目前的）moment to find more joy and fulfillment（满足）.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective（观点）in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions（抱负）and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re doing at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted（分心）by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment（满意）and it will become more natural.

If you want to have a garden full of life and motion, you have to attract some wildlife.

It’s not as difficult as it may sound. Your garden will attract insects, bugs, birds and mammals.【小题1】 You will make yourself happy and at the same time you will provide a living space for these beautiful creatures. All you need to do is to follow this advice and you will have the garden of your dreams. If you think your garden has to be messy and untidy, you’re wrong. You need waves and long-living plants and strong curves of hedges(树篱) and paths. 【小题2】 It’s important to provide everything animals will need to live in your garden.

Provide food. 【小题3】 Planting native plants is what you have to do in order to attract wildlife. Plants like roses, honeysuckle and lavender attract different insects like bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds are fans of fuchsia and geraniums. Trees and shrubs that produce fruit, berries and seed are good sources of food for your little friends.

Provide some shelters for wildlife. You need to plant evergreen plants, too, because they are a suitable place for wildlife to take shelter.

Provide water. It’s important to provide water. Some animals can use even your pool to have a bath. Bees love shallow water. 【小题4】 It’s vital to change the water in your pond regularly to avoid breeding mosquitoes.

Provide a place for wildlife to raise young. A birdhouse or a pile of brush can be a nice place for wildlife to raise their young. It’s good to have climber-covered walls and fences to increase the possibilities not only for raising children, but also for feeding, nesting, roosting and hibernating.

【小题5】 Some species will overtake your garden and make it unfriendly. If there are wild cats that threaten the wildlife in your garden, it would be wise to take steps to keep those out.

Four ways to make exercise feel as fun as a game

When you’re playing a game, there’s always an objective. It helps you focus on the task at hand and motivates you to keep playing until you win the game. Exercise should be no different. Create a clear fitness goal.【小题1】,

In order to see your progress and whether you’ve achieved your objective, it helps to track your physical activity.     【小题2】, for example, you might just put down how long you have spent working out in a notebook.

Research suggests that adding an element of competition to your exercise routine can actually help you work out harder. If you’re seeking a similar motivation, look into fitness programs that encourage friendly competition against other teams in a virtual world. They track your scores and progress against your friends on a board.

Getting a group of friends to work together toward a common goal is also an effective way to increase physical activity. 【小题4】. No one wants to let down each other. So grab a close friend or family member and bring them to the gym with you.

【小题5】. Introduce some of this characteristic into your own workouts. For example, try to take photos of at least 5 different flowers on your neighborhood walk. Beat your personal record in a trail run. Such challenges will bring back a sense of childlike wonder.