In the world we live in today, it is really difficult to always keep a thankful attitude. With all of our privileges, we have made the luxurious lives we live the new normal. With all that we have, we seem to still want more. Having the newest iPhone or laptop isn't enough anymore. We take our health for granite, not appreciating the moments we aren't sick or dealing with a broken bone. Having a roof over our heads and plenty of food in the cupboards is how were "supposed" to be living, but what about the others who don't have any of this?
College, technology, and even our healthy bodies are privileges. There are so many people around the world, and even down the streets from us don't have these things we see as so simple and normal. We want a new 75" HD television, but some people have never seen a television. There's so much that we take for granite, and with realizing a few things we can not only change the way we view our lives, but also change how we see others.
There are a lot of times we talk about all the stuff that we don't have. We complain about all the stuff that we "need" in our lives, but really it's a simple want. How many times have you consistently mentioned that you want something? Maybe it was the newest iPhone or a new outfit. That can, with a lot of it, bring you down with negativity and unhappiness.
Being in a healthy state is also very lucky. Whether you're young or old, not having a terminal disease or even the common cold is a blessing. It's never fun having even the smallest sickness. When you have a headache do you ever get angry or upset? Imagine living with something every day? When you wake up and go through the day having good health, appreciate it and remember how lucky it is.
It's not bad to desire more, but when you catch yourself unhappy with what you already have take a minute to remember what you do have. The unhappiness you feel when you look at what you do already own is what is dangerous. Look at the phone or computer you're reading this off of. Look at the clothes in your closet or at the health you're in.
What if you talked more about what you're grateful for rather than what you're ungrateful for? Instead of saying you really want or need the newest of something, think about what you do have and what some others may not have. Try blessing someone with something they need rather than gifting yourself with something that you want. It could bring on a whole new level of positivity, with a different outlook on your own life.
