The Things People Take For Granted

Every once in a while, I have one of those days when absolutely nothing seems to bring me joy. Yup, there have been moments when I could not see the beauty in anything or anyone around me. You have days like that, right? I am sure that like me, at some time or other, you have been stuck in a rut, easily aggravated by the kids, your spouse or even the neighbor next door; when you can't even admire the beauty around you. At one time or other, I have had an unceasing urge to just run away from it all. If you've ever felt that way, read on.

My beloved and dear mother always used the wise old saying, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry." Simply translated, it's about taking the things and people in our lives for granted or not appreciating the worth of what we have. We complain about rainy days because they "get in the way" of our daily routine until there are water shortages. Sure we love our mates, children and family members and more than likely, we would not want to consider a life without them. That said, how often do we take the time to remind them how much they mean to us or let them know that they are treasured and loved. How easy it is to forget to do the basics with loved ones like being polite, saying thank you and expressing how much they mean to us. Instead we only choose to see their flaws; the little things we don't like or can't stand. What we do so casually for strangers, we so absentmindedly neglect when dealing with those near and dear to our hearts. Sad thing is, life is just a fleeting moment of time. The clock is ticking and the fire of each life is soon extinguished. Is it really worth the fighting, all the fuss and anger?

How often do we gripe about our jobs or the folks we work with or the bosses who drive us up that proverbial wall? Trust me when I say that on the day one ends up in that dreaded unemployment line, one would most probably embrace that same boss who provided a regular paycheck and that office or cubicle or job environment one loathed would no longer seem as depressing. It is difficult to do. It is tough to smile and be nice to people who are rude or condescending and who seem to have a singular purpose of making our life a living hell. Focus on the job at hand. Go to work today with the attitude that you matter; if not to anyone else, you matter! You have something to contribute, that's why you are there. Remember that happiness comes from within and not necessarily from without. It's that song in your heart. No one can take that away from you..... Only you can give it away. See those negative people as background noise and be grateful for the job that provides for your family. I challenge you today to look for something positive in the most negative person you work with. Reach out to that unhappy someone who works with you. Hey, its worth a try, right?

Let's do a sincere examination of the husbands, wives, partners we have pledged to love and honor until death do us part, as well as the significant others we share our homes and hearts with. Since no one can boast perfection, ever so often, our loved ones would be guilty of irritating or getting on our last nerve. Perhaps, we have a mate who does not help out enough or who does that one little thing that drives us up the wall. Take a look, a good look at that person and imagine life without him or her. Okay, if you still want them out of the picture, that's for another story. If, though, you can't imagine a life without, or if you feel a sudden sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, or you are overcome by a wave of nauseau, then this person must mean a lot to you. For a moment, just think of all the reasons why you love that person; why you would be devastated if that person was forever gone. Now do those little faults really matter? I am not saying that it's going to be a perfect existence as we are all imperfect. When all is said and done, we would rather have them with all the little flaws than not at all. Let's appreciate the ones we love while we can. Is there someone in your life you have lost touch with? When was the last time you called your mom, dad, sister or brother or that other relative or friend you have not spoken to in a long time to say, "I miss you. I love you. You matter to me." Is there someone in your life with whom you need to make amends? Why wait? Do it today. Do it now. Send that email or pick up that phone !

You never miss the water until the well runs dry. Don't let this happen to you. Let's go out there today and truly APPRECIATE the things and people in our lives. Say it, mean it.... you will experience that warm fuzzy feeling inside. I promise !!