Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to have a grateful attitude. The day-to-day activity of life can be draining. Very draining. So draining, in fact, that sometimes all I want to do is complain, cry, complain, take a nap, complain again and then just completely shut out the world for a few days.
Maybe I’m being too much, but my point is this: Life can be hard. So hard that we can forget to see the good things within it. So hard that we take things for granted.
So imagine my soul-searching moment when I came across these words from Zig Ziglar: “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Related: 15 Thoughtful Quotes About Gratitude
I thought, Obviously complaining is not helping anything. Maybe my perspective is off. That’s true for the majority of us, right? Something that’s good to be reminded of. The idea that there is so much to be thankful for, despite all the evidence that seems to points to the contrary sometimes.
It’s these gratitude moments that should become a part of our everyday lives. Those moments of appreciation for what we do have, instead of what we don’t.
It’s easy to get down when nothing seems to be going your way: Life is annoying. Life could be so much better. But when you allow those negatives thoughts to pervade your mind, you only push yourself into a hole. Your situation could always be worse. Everything is based on your point of view.
Related: 7 Practical Tips to Achieve a Positive Mindset
It sounds cliché, something you always say to people who complain, whine or show a lack appreciation for what they have. But it’s true.
No matter what it is that you want and you don’t have, stop for a moment and think about what you do have. Take a moment to yourself to reflect on where you are right now at this moment of your life. Think about the great people in your life. Think about all the unique experiences you’ve had. Think about the dreams you’ve accomplished. Think about all that you can still do.
Think about these things and be grateful. I’m realizing there is always something to be grateful for, regardless of the things that aren’t going exactly are our way. No matter what, we can still choose to be grateful.
Your life is constantly changing. Instead of focusing on what you want, focus on what you have, knowing that what you want will come. Choose to be happy.
Related: ‘Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful’
—Phoebe Emert
This post originally appeared on RIZZARR.com.
