Happy Friday, friends! 😀
I came across a quote today that really got me thinking, and I wanted to share it with you guys so that maybe it would get your wheels turning like it did mine. Nothing like a bit of positive wisdom to start the weekend, right?
How often do we take things for granted? Or let petty problems turn into complete catastrophes? How often do we look at ourselves or the things in our life and focus on what we lack instead of what we have? We worry a lot. We beat ourselves up a lot. But do we actually appreciate a lot? Probably not to the extent that we should. I know that as much as I try to make a conscious effort to count my blessings, there are still plenty of times where I adopt a “woe is me” attitude and go into full-out mopey mode. Hmph.
It’s unavoidable, I think – it’s just part of our natures to constantly want to do better and have better; and while there’s nothing wrong with having that kind of goal-driven mentality, we have to be careful not to let it blind us to all of the good that we already have in our lives, especially because those things can be taken away from us in an instant.
Look at it this way. Would you care about the cellulite on your thighs if you were in an accident that put you in a wheelchair? Would you complain about a nagging spouse/family member/friend if you knew you would lose them later that night? I know they’re not pleasant thoughts to entertain, but at the same time, they really put things into perspective and help us realize that 99% of the time, things aren’t usually as bad as we make them out to be.
A little bit of complaining and disappointment seem inevitable when we’ve got our minds set on some ideal, but teaching ourselves how to slightly shift our focus can work wonders in pulling us out of that unfortunate “woe is me” state that we tend to fall into when we get frustrated over the fact that we’re not exactly where we want to be. We’ll never find happiness if we’re constantly chasing it, only when we realize that it’s been there all along.
Happiness is a good book and some chocolate…
Just something to think about 😀
Wonderful. Great reminder. Happy Friday love!!
“We’ll never find happiness if we’re constantly chasing it, only when we realize that it’s been there all along.” Wow! What a thought-provoking post, Amanda! I loved this and actually, really needed the reminder. Thank you! xoxox
Perfectly said, and I couldn’t agree more. The older I get the more I realize that throwing yourself a pity party or saying/doing something you will later regret is never worth the metal strain and stress. Many things in life really are all about perspective – it’s how you choose to look at a situation that will determine how you’re ultimately affected by it. In other words, it’s all in our hands!
Oh, and happiness most definitely is a good book and chocolate. 🙂
I love this quote. So much truth in it.
Perfect quote, and such meaningful thoughts. I definitely try and appreciate each day that is given to me. I try very hard to focus on the beauty in life!
Excellent reminder and message!!
I like that you state that we all don’t appreciate what have, and it seems to be unavoidable. I try and try to stop looking at the negative, and I think what is important is that we try! Because that is when we do see that what we have can be pretty great. There is nothing wrong in reaching for something bigger, but there is also nothing wrong with where you are in the moment as long as you are healthy and for the most part happy!
Great reminder, Amanda…it really is about perspective at the end of the day! We can’t change our situation but we sure can change our approach towards it! I actually read a great quote from Oprah today which you’d love “The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles”. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Oh I -do- love that quote! Thanks for sharing, hun 😀
Love love love this!
<3. Happy weekend! Any Saturday plans?
Just catching up with random errands (groceries, bank, housework) and then catching up with friends 🙂
Great post! And so true. I try to make an effort on a daily basis to keep all of my blessings in mind, but like anyone else- I’m human and definitely far from perfect. However, I find that when I make a conscious effort to focus on the good rather than the bad in life, it’s so much easier to be grateful!
Here’s to being positive 😀
This is so true Amanda! I was always complaining about every small thing, but since I’m dealing with chronic myofascial pain syndrome (which causes so much pain in my arms and legs, that I can barely walk or carry a bag) I appreciate the little things so much more! Your health is the most important thing EVER!
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles 🙁 I completely agree that health is pretty much the most important thing we have, and sadly probably one of the things we most often take for granted as well.
What a great post! This quote was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you xo
so true, Amanda! Amen to all that. I always get reminded of how “silly” I feel when I’m thinking of something negative about myself, etc. when I put everything in perspective of how much crazier things could be. Taking our thoughts captive is so so important!
I think this might be my new favorite quote! Thanks for sharing!
just what I needed to hear.
Great quote. It’s way too easy to focus on the negative instead of the positive.
I just started a new Friday series (called “going on here”) to highlight some fun stuff going on in my life. It makes me appreciate the big and little good things I have going for me, and makes me more mindful before the weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for this. Really truly got me thinking. Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
What a meaningful quote 🙂 Thanks for sharing it my friend, I needed to read that today! Sometimes it’s all too easy to forget the little things in life– gotta savor every precious moment!
Love that quote – it’s so inspiring and thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing!
I also fully agree with the last picture’s caption. Which book are you currently reading?
My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok. It’s one of my favorites.
It sounds interesting. Maybe I should buy it – once I’ve finished the pile of books on my bedstand.
Well said! I completely agree.