COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Kids, especially teens may tend to get affected by peer pressure. From physical appearance or grades to the social status of the parents, they compare themselves with their friends and based on the results, sometimes develop complexes too. As a kid, I was no different. But every time I would notice myself losing my self-confidence because of someone superior, I would get reminded of my mother’s golden advice:
“We are all endowed with numerous gifts. But, we also have our share of shortcomings. It’s very natural and human to get tempted to compare yourself with others. So, if you have to compare yourself, then in matters of wisdom and character look at people who are more blessed than you, inspire yourself and strive to be like them. In matters of material achievements, social status, health and wealth, look at people less blessed than you and discover how fortunate you are”
It’s very important to realize that gratitude brings contentment, which further brings happiness. As I grew older, I realized that it’s just not the kids or the teens, but the adults too are unhappy largely because unnecessary comparison is killing their joy. Most of us don’t realize how blessed we are.
Gratitude has the power to transform regular days into celebrations, turn routine jobs into adventure, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
I feel grateful for having a good night sleep in the safety of my home. I open my eyes and I feel grateful that I can see the world around. I thank the farmers for the food on my table. I read the news and go to work. I thank my parents to have blessed me with the gift of education. I feel grateful for the love of my husband, my family and friends. I think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love, to have the ability to make every day count.
Being grateful does not necessarily mean that everything is good or perfect. It just means that you can accept it as a gift. I make a conscious choice to count my blessings instead of my worries. I try to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to me, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things and people who have contributed to my advancement, I include all of them in my gratitude.
Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated. Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude, a smile, a hand, a ‘thank you’ can change someone’s entire day. Therefore, we must take the time to recognize and value the people around us and appreciate those who make a difference in our lives.
As told by Ralph Emerson, the famous 19th century American poet,
“For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.”
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