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Rule #18. Be Grateful.
Sometimes it can be too easy to fall into the habit of obsessing about what we don’t have. I understand, and I’m not judging… In fact, I’m as guilty of this as the next guy. When we’re struggling to accomplish goals, when we feel like we’re being held back by circumstances out of our control, or when we just can’t seem to get ahead, we can get angry or feel like we’ve got nothing going for us.
But that’s not true. There is always something to be grateful for. As a matter of fact, there is a lot for which I’m thankful in my life.
I have a roof over my head. I have a job for awhile longer. I have a supportive wife and a caring family. And I have the best damn friends a bloke like me could ask for.
Sure, I can’t afford to take any grand trips right now, I can’t buy a motorcycle tomorrow, and I’m not in a position to build a canoe yet. But there are places to hike fifteen minutes from home, places to camp a half an hour away, I’m getting damn good with the cast iron skillet and I’ve still got plenty of things to try. My life is far from perfect, but it’s pretty good. For that I am grateful.
We’ve all got problems, but most of us have a lot to be grateful for, and we would do well to remind ourselves of that. In fact, research has shown that expressing gratitude makes us happier, more resilient, and more in control of our lives. I’d reckon, that’s something worth exploring.
Obviously, don’t ever stop trying to improve yourself and achieve your goals. Don’t settle for a life that’s just okay. But amidst your hard work, self-improvement, and new opportunities, make sure you take time to appreciate the things and people you’ve already got. Don’t ignore the things in your life for which you should already be thankful.
With that in mind, I encourage you to express some gratitude today. Thank someone who has helped you out along the way, a friend who has always been there for you, or a parent who raised you right. Write down some of the things that make you feel grateful and be happy that they’ve been in your life. Express your gratitude any way that feel right to you.
I also want to take a second to express my gratitude to all of you who read, comment on, and share my blog with others. I’m truly grateful for my readers. You folks are the best!
Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans. And to my friends in other countries, I hope that you too will take the opportunity to be grateful today.