There are so many times in life that we forget how good we have got that all we do is complain and be sad instead of appreciating what we have.
“Happiness will never come to those who don’t appreciate what they have.”
I am a normal human being as well, so many times I complain that I didn’t get better things and I am not happy with what I have. As everyone else I am so focused on things that I don’t have, I forgot to enjoy and appreciate the things that I do have.
But these days I am trying consciously to be happy with what I have. Every time I travel to poor countries, I realise that how much better what I have is. However, at the same time even though they live with minimal things in life, they are the happiest people I have seen.
I have been forcing myself to appreciate what I have by thinking about all the good things in my life. I have a wonderful husband and family, good job and good health. I don’t know why I complain.
Recently I lost a friend to cancer and I know that she would have given anything to be alive and be next to her husband but she didn’t get that choice. I have to say she fought her battle so strongly that every time I remember her, I see a smiling face.
Just few weeks ago, after a long weekend, I was ready to come back to work. I was really annoyed that my car didn’t start. After the initial reaction, I changed my mindset completely; I had a choice to call NRMA (insurance company) and wait for the car to be fixed and be late for work or take a train to work. I decided to take a train because millions of people do that every day and I used to do that before I started driving. I didn’t know why I got annoyed initially as it is completely normal for car to break down from time to time. By looking at the positive side, I was clam and happy to go to work and be at work on time rather than getting pissed at the situation that I have no control over. My day went alright and my car got fixed in the evening.
Every time I visit Nepal, I appreciate that I live in a country where there is no problem of electricity, water or gas. I also appreciate that Australia has good health care and transport system. I am lucky to live here.
Someone wise once said “you don’t know what you have until it’s taken away from you” and I see that time and time again; People longing for what they used to have. I have those regrets as well. I wish I was able to stay with my paternal grand ma (she passed away few years ago) more. I wish I had spent more time with my parents when I had the chance, I wish I had appreciated my life when it was simpler.
So next time you find your mind wandering away from the present moment, towards a place that you wish you were, bring it back. Think about the present and look around and learn to smile as you are lucky to have what you have. There are millions in the world who will be very happy to be in your shoes any given day.
Learning to appreciate what we have right now is an art that’s worth investing a little time in perfecting. So, every time I pray, I thank God for all the good things in my life. I thank him that I am happy and healthy and for the beautiful people around me.
Take care and have a great week,
M from nepaliaustralian
XOXO
nepaliaustralian 
I needed to read this today. I too, know that I have everything, yet I complain, then I berate myself for complaining Now I am breathing and counting my blessings. The sun is coming out, so to speak. Thank you.
I am happy my blog is of some help to you…have a wonderful day and always stay positive…
Reblogged this on Nepali Chori and commented:
We are so excited to announce Nepali Chori and NepaliAustralian will be collaborating! NepaliAustralian is a great blog and has agreed to let us reblog some of her entries. We are so excited and are looking forward to an original piece from NepaliAustralian on our own page. Thank you NepaliAustralian, keep up the amazing work!
You’re a wise human, M. I’m trying to make just this attitude adjustment these days. Good to hear it can be done. 🙂
Yes it can bedone for sure Sid and I am so happy that you are doing so well these days :). Take care my friend.
It’s hard to do… with a little touch up work necessary every now and again.
So true and it is nice to have some around who will do that for you 🙂
Oh wow, love this post. As a human being you are always looking for better things but you never realize what you have is so precious until you lose it. This post reminded me to love what I have. Thank you for the positivity that you try to bring with your post.
You are welcome and thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂
Thank you for writing on this topic. You are right. Today I’m grateful for the blessings I have and I hope to pass that attitude on to others. I loved your pictures in this post!
Thank you for reading my blog 🙂
Thoughtful and relevant. Great reminder. This is the only way to be truly happy – to keep appreciating everything.
Thank you so much 🙂
Great post indeed. I agree with you. Being happy means appreciating whatever you have. We blame ourselves for not having this and that. We keep assuming that once we have all the worldly possessions we will be happy. Better to stay calm and appreciate what we have. This is the ultimate way to happiness.
Agree with you 100% Alisa. If we could remember how lucky we are, half the world’s problem with be solved 🙂