I want to challenge you to the following things. Perspectives and outlooks on life are so important to our happiness and help us to see the blessings we're surrounded with.
These are things I've come up with when I've been down, angry, upset, or feeling an urge to complain. This is what I did to correct myself, and I challenge you to change your perspective.
Should you feel that you don't want to go to work in the morning, be thankful that you have a job and consider those who are unable to work- whether it be because of job cuts, disability, etc.
Should you feel that you don't want to go to class, be thankful you have chosen the path of education and are striving toward your goals. Think of those who can't afford higher education, or who can't go because of other circumstances.
Should you feel you are having a bad hair day, be thankful there are hairs on your head. Think of a Cancer patient who has lost all of his or her hair and would give anything to get it back.
Should you find yourself complaining about cleaning the house or doing yard work, be thankful you have a roof over your head. Think of those who lost their homes to flooding or tornadoes, and would give anything for a floor of their own to mop and sweep.
Should you find yourself complaining about doing homework, be thankful you have that ability. Think of those who have learning disabilities and cannot complete any work on their own.
Should you find yourself complaining about having to walk a long distance, be thankful you have that ability. Think of a paraplegic who would give anything to go that "long" distance.
Should you find yourself complaining about not getting enough sleep, be thankful you have a bed to sleep in. Think of those who are homeless and often have to lie on the cement.
Should you find yourself complaining about the food that you are eating (whether it be at home, work, school cafeteria), be thankful there is food in front of you. Think of how many school children go home each night to no meal because their family cannot afford it.
Should you find yourself the victim of someone else's malice, hatred, bitterness, persecution, scorn, or ignorance, be thankful you are strong. Things could be worse- you could be one of them!
Should you find yourself a member of a relationship or friendship that has gone downhill, be thankful for the moments you shared together. Think of someone who has never known what is is like to be loved.
Should you find yourself feeling down, purposeless, and asking, "What is life all about?", be thankful you have the time to do that. Think of those who didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.
Life is all about the perspective you take on things.
Feel free to add to this list, comment below, and I will add your perspective challenges to the list!
Whoa! Good timing.
ReplyDeleteI was out on deliveries tonight for work and got stuck waiting for a train. I wasn't thrilled at all. And then partway through my wait, I decided, "Hey. Could be worse." I actually reminded myself of the passage that says we are to be thankful in all circumstances. It's not like the train was making me super-late for anything, it was just an inconvenience. I finally decided that complaining about it wasn't going to do me any good!
I agree, and I second what Becca's said here too. Dylan, the one about walking is something I've been doing a lot lately, as I went from doing no exercise at home to having to walk everywhere at uni.. but instead of getting frustrated by it, I've started to give thanks for being able to walk. And similar to Becca, I was trying to get a bus a couple of weeks ago, but the bus driver just drove right past me at the stop. My gut reaction was real annoyance and anger, but I realised I could just chill out, it wasn't the end of the world and there'd be another bus in a minute anyway.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what effect a change in attitude like that has on the rest of your day! :)