A few weeks back in my apartment building's elevator I witnessed a situation. There were two other women inside besides me and when trying to figure out what floor we're heading to first, this is what I overheard:
- Oh, you go first, I live on the very top floor. Closer to God. - the first woman said with a smile.
- Oh... And do you guys talk often? - the second woman asked jokingly.
- Yeah... But mostly when things are not going right, which is most of the time. - the first woman replied with a sigh and a smile.
"Yeah, and when things are going good, you don't seem to feel the need for a conversation, because there's nothing to ask for at that moment" was my first frustrated thought, but unlike with the smoker in a pharmacy situation, this time I felt I didn't have any right to intervene.
Since it's not always easy to agree on the subject of religion, I want to say straigth away that this post is not about God. What it is about is one's approach to life in general. I feel that we all, whether we're atheists or believers, can agree that only asking and whining and never saying thank you and never aknowledging our blessings is just not right and won't get anyone far. Kind of sad how so many people make a choice to focus on the negative and forget about the good aspects of their existence.
I'm thankful I was yet again reminded of the importance to be grateful and of the effect my thankful year had on the way my mind worked.
You know? I never figured that out either--why people choose to focus on the negative instead of being grateful for the positive. Although I do admit that sometimes, I commit that mistake. But I am making a conscious effort to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteI guess contentment is the key. Maybe not necessarily with what we have right now, but of the things to come.
I'm guilty of doing this as well. I often forget to give thanks but never fail to ask for help when I need it. Still trying to constantly remember to be thankful. :-) Following your blog really helps! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! (pun intended)
ReplyDeletexoxox,
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Yes, focusing on negativity is usually a bad idea. It creates a bias in the mind, so you'll only see bad things in your life. Focusing on positivity creates a bias toward good things, but the interesting thing is that research shows that positive people are actually BETTER at combating real issues in their lives, so it's not like they close their eyes to everything bad.
ReplyDeleteThat mindset bothers me a lot too, but it's nice that you turned it into something positive: a reminder to say thanks (as if you, of all people, needed it...) :) Happy Friday!
ReplyDelete..exactly Julia , totally agree with you ..somehow we only start thinking when everything is bad , especially all the 'WHY this and that'? ..I wish more of us would be thankful for example just a wonderful day , isn't it !
ReplyDeleteAs they say... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_are_no_atheists_in_foxholes
ReplyDeleteAbout this post i have an episode that always stood on my mind and it happened many years ago. I was going to the bus station on my hometown, and i saw a neighbour getting out of his house, he closed the door, said a prayer and blessed himself. I haven't heard what he said, and it wasn't my intention too, but it was so great to see him recognizing what he has and being thankful for another ordinary day. :) My coment, as your post, it's not about God, it's all about gratitude.
ReplyDeleteYou have such an exquisite mind. Seriously, you put this conversation in such poetic context that it absolutely makes sense. And I love how you recognize that it's not just Religious people but atheists as well... all walks of life, be grateful! I know this sounds meaningless but in this same tone, I try to do reviews online of places when I actually am happy with their service. I feel like most people submit online reviews of something when they're upset and that's not fair. Love your mind and your posts! Thanks for another great reminder :)
ReplyDeleteThats funny to hear.. I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI am so guilty of this - taking time to just appreciate the positive is something I need more in life Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting interaction you witnessed! I agree with you, plus life is just more FUN when you look at the bright side of things!
ReplyDeletestay focus and think positive...is my two objectives currently!! ^^
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It's so usual here,situations like that you described!
ReplyDeleteIt's very easy and comfortable only asking for help.Maybe being thankful for anything good seems very hard for many people...thank God i am mostly surrounded by people who are grateful!