Yes, I know. If you’re like me, you want to punch people who say that to you. Or how about people who view The Secret as some kind of Scientology-esque club? They hound you to jump on the band wagon of all those positive thinkers. Hey, I’m all for being optimistic and I do try my hardest to banish those negative thoughts but it’s not always easy, is it?
It doesn’t take a lot to make us feel a little down. The economy sucks right now so unless you’re the Real Housewives of Somewhere That Isn’t My Hometown, you’re feeling the pinch. Even bread and milk are more expensive, gas is unbelievable (remember when we complained at 50 cents a litre?) I heard a vicious rumour that my dearly beloved Tim Horton’s coffee is about to be added to the list of things I can’t afford. Add to that the words ‘single’, ‘dateless’ and ‘over forty’ and well… you get the idea.
Yes, it’s easy to open another bottle of wine and say: “Poor Me!” but there comes a time to look around you and appreciate the things you have. Aldous Huxley said: “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted” Do you agree? What are you thankful for? A healthy child? A group of supportive friends? A limited edition David Cassidy lunch box? How about a safe neighbourhood, clean running water and a doctor who will see you whenever you want….for free.
The earth has finally tilted in the right direction. Spring has sprung and it’s time to shed off that negative coil and restart our thinking in a new direction. I’m going to make a real effort to appreciate the things I have rather than dwelling on the things I don’t. Are you with me?
Here’s a few statistics to help put you in the mind set:
925 million people around the world are hungry.
Almost 1 billion people on the planet do not have access to clean water.
18% of the world’s population cannot read or write.
Eckhart said: “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, thank you, that would suffice.”
Tell me: What are you thankful for?
I realize I take a lot of things for granted. Turn on the tap and there’s clean water, right? As Canadians we can walk into any clinic and get treated on the spot. I am so thankful for being Canadian!!