Let me start this post by saying I badly wanted to make a reference to Ariana Grande’s song “Thank U, Next” in the title, but felt it would inappropriate to do so in a serious article. Okay, moving on.
Life is not always peachy. There will always be days where everything feels bleak and unforgiving; days where everything is not worth the effort. That is an inevitability. How one reacts and responds to these days determine their effect on the individual. Some will allow the darkness to devour them and dwell on the misfortunes that have befallen. Others choose to see the brighter side of things with a grateful heart and optimistic mind.
Now, this isn’t a preachy “You-Should-Do-This-To-Get-Through” type of post, as I personally believe individuals should be allowed to cope — with the highs and the lows –according to their own methods. I would like to point out, though, how having a grateful heart at all times can be beneficial for an individual.
No matter how good or bad things go, it is still best to be thankful for the things that we have in our lives — be it material things, good careers, family, etc. — for they serve as reminders that there are plenty of reasons why we should push on through. Cliche, I know. But regardless of how corny things may sound, the truth behind them do not diminish at all, and this case certainly is no different.
Of course, it’s very easy to say thanks when everything is going your way. But what if it wasn’t? What if the aforementioned darkness has already opened its mouth, ready to eat you alive? I say continue being grateful for all the good you have, as well as seeing the bad in a positive light.
This approach benefits a person in multiple ways, but it can be summed up with this: being grateful and counting your blessings instead of ruminating on bad circumstances reminds you that things aren’t as terrible as you perceive them to be. Sure, being grateful isn’t going to directly remove every one of your problems, but it helps put things into perspective and you get to see the bigger picture — that your problems are just a solvable part of you, and not the definition of your existence.
Again, to be clear. Having a positive mental attitude and a thankful heart does not directly remove or solve any problem we face. It does, however make dealing with misfortunes more bearable.
Looking at all the bad circumstances in a positive light can be a daunting task; downright impossible at times, even. But you don’t have to face these things alone — there are people willing to stand by you as you get through whatever it is you are going through. And that’s another thing to be thankful for.
As the old saying goes, no man is an island. People need other people to survive the bad times, and to have company when the need to celebrate good times arises.
Now here is a list of what I am personally thankful for this year of our Lord, 2018:
- People whom I interact with — Family, friends, acquaintances, and Lakers Twitter.
- The ability to eat meals three times a day plus the abundance of snacks and non-meal food and beverages.
- getting to know Poch better, and spending time with her; especially all those late night phone calls and times at the movies
- The ability to live a life that, while isn’t exactly glamorous, is comfortable with added luxuries:
- a roof above my head
- the ability to travel and go on vacation in scenic places
- having simple luxuries like being able to go to the movies, favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and other places where one gets to enjoy themselves
- having internet/TelCom connections and cable TV, and video game consoles
- all the novels and comic books I’ve read so far
- the Earth hasn’t totally coalesced into one giant mess just yet
- LEBRON FEAKING JAMES SIGNING WITH THE LAKERS
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