Some people are grateful for their possessions, such as a car, a fine wardrobe, or the phone that seems like it’s another appendage of their body. Others are thankful for being able to live in a nice neighborhood, take lovely vacations, or enjoy the many rewards of their new promotion. But the truth is, too many of us take other, very important, things for granted — simply because we’ve enjoyed their benefits for so long. If these things disappeared, however, it would leave a significant void in our life. Are you grateful?

Be Grateful

Bare necessities. Some people don’t experience the luxury of having food, shelter, heat, electricity, or running water. You may view these things as nothing special, but those without them sure don’t.

True love. Some folks go all out during the early phase of a relationship, only to neglect it over time. That’s their loss.

Personal responsibility. Some people view personal responsibility as a burden and outsource their freedom to others. You are the master of your destiny; they’re not.

Quality time. Some folks are happiest being on the run. If you don’t take the time to cherish precious moments, your whole life will be a blur.

Peace of mind. Some folks will do anything and step on anyone to get what they want. The one thing ruthless people rarely get is a good night’s sleep.

Steady income. Some people complain about work like complaining is their job. Although they don’t seem to appreciate a steady paycheck, think about the alternative.

Free time. Some folks are bored when they have nothing to do. Life is not a race to the finish line. Happiness is a result of balance rather than intensity.

Fond memories. Some people would trade anything for money. Moments, rather than possessions, are the true treasures of life.

Family time. Some people have no time for their kids. Then they’re surprised when their kids don’t have time for them.

Caring friends. Some folks take their friendships for granted. If they continue along this path, they’ll be spending a lot of time alone.

Good health. Some folks take their good health for granted. Take care of your body. It’s the only one you’ve got.

Money in the bank. Some people fail to appreciate the value of savings. Then, when a little rain shower appears, it feels like a storm.

Clear conscience. Some folks take inner peace for granted. Follow your conscience. Sleep well.

Life. Some people worry so much about tomorrow that they forget to love life today. Life is like playing musical chairs — you never know when the music will stop.

Freedom. If you were born in a different place or at a different time, you might not enjoy the right to speak freely, to practice your religion, to bear arms, to enjoy a free press, or to be viewed as equal with others in the eyes of the law. In addition, you might not be able to own property, dress how you please, marry whomever you want, or vote for the candidate of your choice. Furthermore, you might not be free to make your own choices, be who you want, access information, or travel wherever and whenever you’d like. The list is endless. I wish your gratitude would be, too.

Be Grateful and Count Your Blessings

One of the reasons why people fail to appreciate their personal situation is that they’re too busy comparing themselves to others. The fact is, there will always be people with more or less than you have. That should never be the measure of happiness. When you take things for granted, you diminish their importance and may even jeopardize their very existence.

Is your satisfaction based on what you have or are you obsessed with what you don’t have?

Do you ever take the time to think about how lucky you are? Take a moment and recognize all the wonderful things in your life. They don’t have to have large monetary value. In fact, some of the little things are those that matter the most. As Frank A. Clark, the politician, said, “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”

Do You Count Your Blessings?

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Additional Reading:
Do You Take It for Granted?
Freedom and Personal Responsibility Go Hand in Hand
Moments Lost
The Secret to True Happiness
You May Regret Not Reading This

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