Recently at work I read parts of Life’s Greatest Lessons. In it, the author, Hal Urban, discussed the idea of constantly being reminded by the words “think” and “thank.”
That got me thinking: if you could have one word posted where you would see it every day as a reminder, what word would you choose? I think mine might be the word, “grateful.” The more I see what can go wrong in life, the more grateful I am for the things that are right.
In fact, a friend and I were talking about this the other day. Why is it that the people we know who have it easiest in life are those who seem to think they are perpetually suffering? They have a talent for getting people to rally around them and do things for them while they sit back and complain.
These people are invariably masters of the double standard. They don’t seem to return the things they ask for. When asked why, they say it’s because they are more sensitive than others. So sensitive that they will beat people to a bloody pulp with their “I’m Sensitive” signs and then tell them they are mean for running away.
I’m convinced that the happiest people in life are not those who have it easiest. The people who have the things that look like they should be happy struggle so hard to look better than others that I can’t help but wonder if they feel worse.
My friend and I concluded that it’s really the grateful who are the most happy in life.
If you could have any one word posted as a reminder where you would see it every day, what would that word be?
Here’s to a happy—and grateful—2013!
Wow, Tammy. That's quite a thought-provoking question.
ReplyDeleteMaybe "acceptance." But if I had more time, I could probably come up with something else.
First, I have to post a sign that says, "Stop beating people to a bloody pulp with your signs." Under it, I need a sign that says, "Stop calling people mean." Then I need one that says, "Everything is NOT all about YOU." And finally, I can post a sign with that one world: PATIENCE.
ReplyDeleteAs Sioux and Val suggested, acceptance and patience are excellent, but I agree with you, Tammy, gratitude is hard to beat.
ReplyDeleteHave a great and grateful new year!
K
Peace, that is my word, because kindness and caring and gratitude are results when we seek peace. I have a candle with a ceramic shade on which is printed PEACE, as a reminder. This was a nice post. Peace to you in the new year.
ReplyDeleteBring on the signs, because you all make such good points!
ReplyDeleteHere's a word I love for the way it sounds as much as for what it represents: Serenity.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
I think mine would have to be love. When there is love, there's so much to be grateful about. When there's love, there's no fear. With love, you are patient and serene. When you have love, you have all the riches in the world and nothing else matters.
ReplyDeletePat, I can't help but think of the words, "serenity now." But you're right. What lovely responses from all of you!
ReplyDelete