You may not have everything you desire, but be thankful for everything you have. We take so many things in our lives for granted, it’s easy to forget about the good things we already have and focus on the little things that are missing from our lives. Whether it’s material items like a new car, or something more basic like family and friends, here are some of the top reasons to stop complaining about what you don’t have and start being thankful for what you do have.
1) Being thankful for your health
So many people take their health for granted. Because they don’t have a health condition that keeps them from living as they want, they lose sight of how truly fortunate they are. While it’s important to stay aware of what you want, it’s equally important to recognize and be thankful for what you do have.
2) Being thankful that you live in a country where freedom rings
The next time you say, I’m glad I live in a country where freedom rings, think of what you really mean. So many times we complain about insignificant things when we don’t realize how lucky we are to have them and how thankful we should be that they are part of our lives. Take time today to express your gratitude that you live in a country where freedom rings so freely.
3) Focusing on what you do have helps you manage what you don’t have
Getting caught up in wanting more, comparing yourself to others and envying what they have is one of life’s biggest time wasters. By focusing on what you have, instead of dwelling on what you don’t, you’ll be able to manage your desires better and reduce those feelings of jealousy and envy. In turn, you will feel happier with where you are right now, which will actually improve your chances at attaining your goals in a positive way.
4) There are people who would love to trade places with you (and there probably always will be)
those who would give anything to be in your shoes, who wouldn’t dream of complaining about their own lives because they are so happy with what they have. There will always be people whose lives seem more exciting, more fun, and even easier than yours. In short, there are plenty of people who would love to trade places with you—and here’s why you should never do it.
5) Gratitude leads to kindness which impacts others
When you’re focused on what you don’t have, it can be easy to forget about all of your blessings. Why be thankful? Well, gratitude is closely tied with kindness, and being kind impacts everyone around you. When people feel appreciated, they tend to treat others better in return. Kindness also positively impacts your health—who doesn’t want that? Living a life of gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling life in general and an overall feeling of well-being.
6) Achieving success requires being thankful for what you already have
At any given moment in your life, you may not have everything you want or desire. But no matter what situation or stage of life you are currently in, be thankful for your successes and strive to better yourself daily. After all, being thankful is a choice. Below are 10 reasons why it’s important to be thankful.
7) Gratitude makes a better parent
Being grateful can help you become a more present, engaged parent. When you take time each day to think about what you have and be thankful for it, your sense of gratitude will rub off on your kids. This, in turn, will encourage them to be thankful as well. Your appreciation of your family also gives you something positive to focus on instead of all that negativity that’s out there in our world today.
8) Gratitude makes life more enjoyable
According to a 2013 study in Psychological Science, gratitude is an emotion that can improve your happiness and overall well-being. The researchers found that individuals who practiced gratitude reported higher levels of joy, enthusiasm, hope, pride and energy; they also felt more useful, knowledgeable and important. People with a grateful outlook even experienced better physical health—less pain and stronger immune systems.
9) Gratitude makes those around you happier and more supportive
Sometimes it can feel like everyone has what you don’t, and that makes you bitter. But when you focus on gratitude, your attitudes toward people and events change. After all, if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t be thankful. Gratitude is a lot more fun than envy! And being grateful makes those around you happier and more supportive of your goals. Focus on what you do have – not just what others have that you don’t.
10) Making the most of what you have means that no matter what happens, you’re prepared
financially, professionally and personally. So no matter what happens, you’re able to handle it with aplomb. Whether that means getting by in a tough job market or dealing with any number of financial dilemmas, here are some things for which you should be grateful
