Don’t Be Part of the Problem
November 23, 2015
By Rich Alvarez
As we enter this Thanksgiving week, I think we should all take a look inward and examine our level of gratitude. In our nation, so many of us complain about every little thing that doesn’t go our way. We have more materially than any nation on Earth, yet we tend to be one of the most miserable. We are often self-absorbed and feel we are entitled to be happy. Happiness is actually a state of being. It comes from within and not from what we have. No person and no thing can make us happy for any extended period of time. I’ve found that learning to practice an attitude of gratitude is the cure to unhappiness.
So, what do I mean by an attitude of gratitude? It starts by realizing that no matter how bad we think we have it, someone else is inevitable worse off. Most of us have food, shelter, and means to get around. Think about those born with severe disabilities who can’t get around without help. Think about those born in countries where they have no idea where their next meal is coming from and don’t have access to something as basic as clean water. Think about a person who was wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to die. After you picture these things in your head, make a list of three things you are grateful for. Do this for one week, and you are not allowed to repeat any items. This exercise is much more difficult than it seems. By the end of the week, I think you will find that your entire outlook has changed. When you find yourself in an unhappy state or prolonged funk, repeat the exercise.
When we keep this attitude in mind, the phrase, “But for the grace of God go I,” takes on new meaning. We realize that we are one misstep or unfortunate event away from a whole different existence. When we look at others who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, it becomes easier to put ourselves in their shoes. With this realization in mind, I implore you not to judge others by the labels that society places upon them. These labels are frequently based on their unfortunate circumstances rather than who they are as a person. Take the time to think about how they must feel by being labeled that way. If you own a business, please think about this during the hiring process. A decision to give someone in unfortunate circumstances a chance at a job can change their entire life. It can also change the labels that get applied to them by society. Have a great Thanksgiving!
-Rich
By Rich Alvarez
As we enter this Thanksgiving week, I think we should all take a look inward and examine our level of gratitude. In our nation, so many of us complain about every little thing that doesn’t go our way. We have more materially than any nation on Earth, yet we tend to be one of the most miserable. We are often self-absorbed and feel we are entitled to be happy. Happiness is actually a state of being. It comes from within and not from what we have. No person and no thing can make us happy for any extended period of time. I’ve found that learning to practice an attitude of gratitude is the cure to unhappiness.
So, what do I mean by an attitude of gratitude? It starts by realizing that no matter how bad we think we have it, someone else is inevitable worse off. Most of us have food, shelter, and means to get around. Think about those born with severe disabilities who can’t get around without help. Think about those born in countries where they have no idea where their next meal is coming from and don’t have access to something as basic as clean water. Think about a person who was wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to die. After you picture these things in your head, make a list of three things you are grateful for. Do this for one week, and you are not allowed to repeat any items. This exercise is much more difficult than it seems. By the end of the week, I think you will find that your entire outlook has changed. When you find yourself in an unhappy state or prolonged funk, repeat the exercise.
When we keep this attitude in mind, the phrase, “But for the grace of God go I,” takes on new meaning. We realize that we are one misstep or unfortunate event away from a whole different existence. When we look at others who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, it becomes easier to put ourselves in their shoes. With this realization in mind, I implore you not to judge others by the labels that society places upon them. These labels are frequently based on their unfortunate circumstances rather than who they are as a person. Take the time to think about how they must feel by being labeled that way. If you own a business, please think about this during the hiring process. A decision to give someone in unfortunate circumstances a chance at a job can change their entire life. It can also change the labels that get applied to them by society. Have a great Thanksgiving!
-Rich
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