The American economy is in the dumps. Everywhere people are talking about how bad it is. No jobs. High gas prices, resulting in high everything else prices. Lay-offs. Pay cuts. And on it goes. Seems like there's no place we can go and not hear about the terrible state of our economic situation. Woe is US! But, this American is taking a different view. A new perspective, so to speak. Just thought I'd pass it along, in case you, too, are looking for a break from the strain of it all.
It's likely that many of you have seen an email go around that speaks of the millions of people around the globe who've got it way worse. There are loads of statistics...and loads of not-so-pretty pictures to detail these unfortunate folks. Perhaps you've never gotten this particular email. Either way, I shan't bore you with statistics or needless photos. Instead, I'll take the high road and offer the brighter side of things. Such as....
Do you have running water and indoor plumbing? Do you have hot water to bathe in? Is there food in your fridge? Are there appliances on which to cook this food? Do you have clean water to drink? Are you able to, every now and then, go see a movie or visit a park? Can you read? Do you have books? Do you have a car that runs and money to put gas in it? Do you have clothes to wear? Are there lights and heat in your home? Do you have a TV? A computer? (guess so...else you wouldn't be reading this!) Are you able to take a walk on a sunny day? Do you get to play with your children/grandchildren? Do you hear laughter in your home? Are there people who love you?
These things may go unnoticed more often than not. These things may seem your right. It could be that you have become so accustomed to having them, you don't even realize the enormity of not having them. Fact is, were you to have to live without any of these 'common' necessities, you'd notice it alright. In a big way, you'd notice it. I'm willing to bet that it takes most of us losing these things before we appreciate them. And I'm willing to bet that if we had to do without any of them, we'd be bitching about how unfair life is. Well, here's a little flash for you ~ lots and lots of people do without these things. Lots and lots of people have never had indoor plumbing, nor will they in this lifetime. Or a refrigerator. Or a hot bath. Need I go on?
Seems to me that we, as a country, could do ourselves a whole lot of good if we took the time to recognize just how 'rich' we really are. Sure, things are a bit precarious right now. Lots of us are having to rethink our priorities and keep a closer eye on our spendings. Many are losing their homes, jobs, status. But it's not the end of the world. We have loads to be grateful for and more good times to come. Maybe it's time for us to stop being so gluttonous and start being more aware. We may not be as flush as we were a few years ago, but we're still among the wealthiest nation in the world. I'm not talking about money here. I'm talking about all that we have access to. And, as the saying goes, it all starts in our own back yard. So maybe, just for today, you might look around you and see just how blessed you are. Look around and bathe in the delicious abundance you have....whether it's food or water or love. It's not as bad as you think. So lighten up! I say it all the time (and, perhaps, you've already heard it....) GRATITUDE BEGETS GRATITUDE! The more grateful you are for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for! Live in the Grace of Gratitude. It's a lovely place to live.
Excellent article Camille! I often think of how blessed and grateful I am. I not only have access to everything you mentioned above, but more. I often share with people, that an attitude adjustment may be in order. An attitude of gratitude, as it is so often heard.
Amen, sister! Thanks for reading, joining my 'fan club' and offering up your beautiful words of encouragement! It IS so very appreciated! Gratitude, indeed! Hugs & Blessings~ Camille
» left by robert melaccio sr. (75 days 18 hours ago.)
Yes Camille we certainly can cut back many of the toys and goodies we have and survive. And we do have a very blessed nation, I agree. Yes and our standard of life WAS and I use the word WAS the standard for the world. However, we should not detract from what is happening all across America. That is the destruction of the average American and family. I just wrote today concerning a leading intellectual person who to paraphrase stated Americans will just have to learn to take less. Well sadly that was not what created this nation, not that spirit. What we have that I am alluding to is in my opinion the dismantling, rape, pillage and plunder of what we have. The lowering of our lifestyle at the hands of the greedy, profiteers and exploiters. That is the sin. Yes I agree we can do away with a lot and many are realizing that. Yes and many are realizing that we all have a hand in allowing this to come about. Yes and as you say we do have it well. Yet the truth is there is sin and darkness all over this land and that is what needs to be addressed if we are to survive. For us and our posterity. Yes and having a higher standard should not be grounds to accept less but recognize we do not need all we want and be thankful for what we do have. Good article.
yes, yes and yes. you call it something different ('sin') ... I call it unadulterated GREED. And it's at the hands of those who are SUPPOSED TO 'serve' (as in .... 'civil servant????!!!)
Thanks for reading, commenting and offering up your thoughts. It is greatly appreciated!
Great article Camille and especially your last comment above. Greed is what it's all about, only it isn't altogether those civil servants, it is every one of us. I've always been just barely out of the poverty level, still am or maybe now down into it. But really and truly, we could all go down further and still be better off than 90% of the world's occupants.
Out leaders have not been what they should be, but neither have we. I see a lot of youngsters with a household income of more than I ever dreamed of, say $50-60,000 and instead of living well and saving money they buy 2 expensive cars plus a nice pickup to pull their very expensive boat and then buy a home that would strangle a family with an income of $100,000. Then, when one gets laid off or sickness hits, they lose the home, or more. We are spoiled and expect far too much from the government...after all, we are giving to the government, everyone can't expect more from it than they put in.
Camille, An excellent article! I totally agree with you. When we choose to focus on the negative, we notice more of the same and take our blessings for granted. Even in the worst of times, there is always something for which to be grateful. I know first hand that gratitude is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others--and to ourselves. So, yes, we here in the U.S. have much to be grateful for. As a professional in international education, I am keenly aware that there are many places and people in the world who live with much less than us. I start and end my day in gratitude, everyday. Thank you for this excellent reminder! Warmly, Barbara
Dearest Barbara~ Thanks so very much for your warm commentary. It is GREATLY appreciated. And I'm nodding my head (in agreement)....gratitude IS a gift we give ourselves. Wonderful! Hugs & Blessings~ Camille
Great article, Camille. You said it all so well. Unless we are truly destitute, we really should step back and at look at everything we do have and give up a little prayer of thanks for all our blessings.
Thanks for reminding us of good fortunes unnoticed.
» left by sue thom from nj (73 days 15 hours ago.)
hi camille,
it's so true and unfortunate for us, that we have to go through an experience, rather than figure it out, and realize we are Blessed, without having to hit rock bottom?
Hi Camille! A good reminder in which I can personally attest to -- This past year has been extremely challenging for my family in which we literally lost everything due to my husbands business collapse and insane medical bills that our insurance company refused to cover but yet, through it all, I am optimistic and hopeful as we start a new beginning -- Like they say, "it ain't over til it's over" -- Thanks for an insightful article!
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