Defeating Dissatisfaction

Here are some ways I keep my head up when how I want my life to be (homesteading) is far from how it really is (urban).

1.  Finding tiny ways to change that are related to those big dreams.
         I want to have a huge garden, but I have been able to enjoy a potted garden for two years now. I want chickens someday, but I got a worm bin going.  
2.  Finding many things to be grateful for in my current situation.
         The Permaculture City (by Toby Hemenway) blew my mind when I read it the first time. He left the homesteading/"self-sufficient" lifestyle to come back into the very urban scenario that I dream of escaping. My eyes were opened, through this book, to many benefits that a city can provide, and those benefits can of course be further amplified by Permaculture design! Personally, I'm also close to family here in the city--definitely something to be grateful for on a weekly basis.
3.  Contributing to those who are currently doing what I want to do.
          My sister's in-laws (far away) grow organically on their family farm. I have tried to help them out a bit (financially) because I wholeheartedly believe in their mission and practices.
4.  Reading up further on all the things I want to do.
         Widely reading helps me make discoveries that lead to 1) seeing opportunities for what I can do even now, 2) better planning what I will do in the future if I ever do have more land, and 3) trying out projects that increase my skills, which is always useful.

I often get stuck in jealously and hopelessness when I think about the big things I wish for. Keeping my eyes on the present moment helps me cope!