How to Be Thankful for What You Have

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By coffeefirst
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Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Strong Family Relationships are something to be thankful for.

Many people have fallen on hard times in recent months. It is very difficult to sit back and see your whole world unravel and not be able to do anything to stop it. It is more difficult when people around you boast about the success they are having in their life, when your own life is in such a mess. Trying to understand that everyone's situation is different and that some people have not been affected by the same circumstances that have changed your own life can be hard. If you have been down in the dumps, and feel like everyone is getting ahead but you, here is how to be thankful for what you have.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Look around you.

Sometimes it takes something horrible in your life to happen for you to see what it is that really matters. No matter what it is that has caused your misfortune, you still have good things in your life. Maybe it is your children, spouse, family, health, the fact that you still have a roof over your head and food on your table. To help yourself feel better, stop dwelling on the bad areas of your life and focus your attention on the good things.
Step 2

Don't take things for granted.

Buying a gallon of milk at the grocery store seems like such a simple little thing. Most people just take it for granted when they make a trip to the grocery store and pick up a gallon of milk, they don't even think about having the money to do it, it is just done. Some people don't even have enough money to do that. Be thankful that you can. Simple things in life are taken for granted and shouldn't be. No matter what is happening in your life, be thankful for what you can do, and don't let the things you can't do drag you down.
Step 3

Don't be a drama queen (or king)

In hard times it is easy to see which family members and true friends really care. Most of the time the people in your life who really care will listen to your problems and try to have an understanding of what is happening. Be advised, they don't want to keep hearing about it. They get sick of hearing it, and if you are constantly complaining about your situation, they will call less, make rude comments about your constant complaints, and stop coming around so much. Especially those who are not having similar problems. If they think that their life is great, most of the time they won't be able to understand your situation, or care to try. Don't let this bother you. This just shows you the true side of someone, and who cares about you and who don't. There is no reason to be rude to those less caring individuals. I suggest that you help them out by saying a nice long prayer for them. Because what goes around comes around.
Step 4

Don't be envious of others.

At one point in time everyone has thought or said "I wish I was her (or him)". And maybe at some point you really did wish you were someone else. Do not envy other people no matter how perfect their life may seem. The grass is always greener on the other side, or so it may seem. You really do not know what is really happening in other peoples lives until you actually live them. They may try to paint a perfect little picture to the world, when in reality, their life is much worse than your own.
Step 5

Don't try to keep up with the Jones'

Everyone has different financial situations. Just because the neighbor got a new boat, doesn't mean you have to get one too. Be happy for them. Don't let yourself feel like a failure just because you can't have everything that other people have. Material things are not important in life. Most of the time the people who are always buying new "toys" or are constantly bragging about things that they have, are lacking other things in their life. They may have a horrible family life, with a bad relationship. They may have a ton of debt, or low self esteem. Maybe they feel guilty about not having a good relationship with their children or spouse so they make up for it by buying things. This is no way to live. Material things will come and go in everyone's life. Relationships are what matters. Build a strong healthy relationship with your family, your kids and your spouse. If you have a good family life, those material things won't matter. No matter what you do, your family will just be thankful to be together, and anything will be fun.