November 2024

November Thought of the Month

"I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness."

~ Thomas S. Morrison

When I hear people from first world countries complain about their lives and how badly they're treated, I can't help but ask where does this mindset come from? Odds are they have a job that pays a living wage, a roof over their heads, food they don't have to grow themselves, clean running water, and the freedom to say and do as they wish within the boundaries set by the laws of their countries. And yet they think of themselves as victims.

If we in the developed nations had to live the way true victims in the world do, most of us would drop in our tracks. We've never had to trek miles every day to haul fresh water for drinking and cooking. We aren't a bad harvest away from starvation. We don't live 24/7 with the fear of being killed by our enemies. By comparison, we live in Paradise.

This doesn't mean we should be complacent and accept things that we can change. We should all fight for equity, for justice, to improve our lot in life and that of others who are worse off. But when our sole focus is on the wrongs - perceived and real - committed against us, it's nearly impossible to cultivate the empathy we need to inspire us to make good changes in our world.

People with a positive attitude have an uplifting effect on themselves and those around them. Happy people spread happiness. The reverse is true. Who hasn't had a good day take a turn for the worst after a few minutes in the company of someone in a bad mood.

There's a song you may hear now that the holiday season has begun: Bing Crosby's Counting Your Blessings. He had the right idea. More of us need to focus on the good in our lives more than we dwell on the bad. When we actively seek the positives, we'll find there's more than we thought. Remember to appreciate the blessings and keep a proper perspective on the negatives. Compared to what others endure, our "bad" has nothing on the real thing.

[Thought and image design by Elaine C. Oldham]