Lately I have been witnessing so many different conversations from my peers, complaining about things in their everyday life. I know that I often struggle with this, because there are so many things that happen in my life every day that do not go my way. However, we must all remember how lucky we are to be alive and well, and sometimes we should step back and realize how blessed we really are. If we continue to complain and remain ungrateful, we will be blind to so many opportunities for a better life all around us.
I used to roll my eyes when my parents would tell me that I should not complain or say "life is not fair" because there are people who are suffering in the world, and I have it great. It is important to recognize that your opinions are valid. It is also important to recognize that your feelings are valid. However, it is extremely important to recognize that some individuals are suffering in the world, and you might not know who those people are, or what they are going through.
My whole life I have complained about some things that were silly or stupid, some things I could not change, some things that did not matter, and some things that are completely unimportant. It was not until I got close to different individuals with unique life stories that I realized I was so blind and ignorant for complaining about some of the things I chose to complain about.
There are so many people in my life that have been through hell and back, and for some reason, they get back on their feet again and try even harder to live a better life. These individuals have been through some things that I could never recover from, but you could never tell because they choose to keep a smile on their face and still work towards all of their lifetime goals.
It is so important to remain selfless in all things you do, because you never know what other people are going through all around you. Be grateful for what you have. Remember that it is OK to complain sometimes, it is alright to be upset or distressed, but also remember that you are so lucky to be alive.
It wasn't until I experienced the death of a friend until I realized how extremely blessed I am. Whenever I am stressed, annoyed, or upset, I remember my friend who passed and what she would have done in the situation. She was such an amazing, inspiring, happy individual, and she never complained about anything. I think about how tragic it was when she was taken from us, and how I need to remain thankful that I am here today with her memory in my heart. I try to live by the words she said that I still remember, and the impact she made on my friends and on myself.
It is important to remember, even in the difficult times, that you are here for a reason, and there are so many things to be thankful for. Remember: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." -Philippians 2:12-16
