It’s been a long week already. The weather is doing a number on my emotions, sleep patterns and productivity. I’m dealing with some highs and lows.
Lesson: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Nothing terrible has happened, just interesting things in life. Even with all the back and forth, I have so much to be grateful for! So so much. I have shelter, an amazing love, great friends and family and a job I enjoy. I’m also healthy and insured! (this time last year, I ended up in the ER without insurance.) I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging, but it’s important to remember that things we take for granted are things to be truly grateful for. My life has improved so much in the past year and I want to relish in the joy of it. I know life is cyclical, and hard times can be just around the corner; that’s why it is so important to be grateful when times are good and enjoy it!
I would say most of my life I’ve been an unrelenting pessimist. I always saw the negative in everything and felt ill-equipped for life’s challenges. I’d now call myself a recovering pessimist, optimistic-leaning person with realist tendencies. I try to see the good in everything and everyone. I see an opportunity instead of a challenge. Maybe it’s maturity, experience or just the result of some work, but I’ve been able to shift my perspective on a lot of things. A big part of that has been practicing an attitude of gratitude.
When I found out about Kindspring’s 21-day Gratitude challenge, I signed up immediately! It starts November 7th and ends on Thanksgiving. They will send you tips and tricks to help execute your gratitude challenge. I look forward to showing appreciation to family, friends, strangers and community.
Small Acts Can Change the World
A little bit of good, can go a long way. Today I was riding my bike home from work and I was stopped at a red light next to a homeless man. His sign read, “I won’t approach you unless asked.” I tried to be discreet, but I could see him shaking his head as the cars passed by, pretending he didn’t exist. Before I left, I said, “I hope you have a great day, sir!” and he replied,
“Thanks so much for saying that.”
I started tearing up and thought to myself how simple that was. I felt so much joy just acknowledging this person’s existence, and him replying graciously with appreciation. So many times I’ve been the receiver of random acts of kindness and awesome acts of generosity.
It’s now my turn to tune into the many blessings I have, and express gratitude. Who wants to join me in this challenge? I know the PF blogosphere has many talented, creative and giving individuals and together we can change the world, with small acts of kindness and gratitude.
So how does this relate to personal finance? In so many ways, my dear! Getting through the doldrums of debt is all about perspective and trying to see the glass half-full. Which reminds me, stay tuned for a new post as a part of the Gift of Debt series later this week.
Start with acknowledging….what are you grateful for?