The secret to a happy life is that there is no secret. It all starts with gratitude. At any given moment we are able to choose what we focus our attention on. If we choose to focus on all of the things that are missing from our lives we will feel empty. If we choose to focus on all of the things we’ve done wrong we will feel guilty or unworthy. If we choose to focus on all the obstacles in our way we will feel defeated. Fortunately, we can choose to focus on all the reasons we are blessed.
Not feeling very blessed these days? Let me put it into perspective for you:
You were once a tiny little sperm, swimming your little heart out in a sea of optimism. Your objective: to out-swim all the other sperm and become the one and only sperm that would fertilize the egg. Your main obstacle: there was 200 million eager sperm trying to beat you out! The field you were running in was 5000 times as big as the Boston Marathon, and yet you had the belief in yourself that you would be the only one to get the job done. You stayed completely focused the grand prize, to achieve the miracle of life, to be thrust out of the darkness and into the light, and to enjoy a lifetime as an ever growing, always evolving human being. The miracle of all miracles!
….and guess what!? You won!! You were no ordinary swimmer, you were like the Michael Phelps of sperm, minus the bong hits. The chances of you winning carried roughly the same odds of you winning Power Ball and Dancing With the Stars at the same time, but you did it!! And then…you became you. You stepped out into the light to enjoy everything this life has to offer: love, family, friends, music, art, food, dancing, laughing, nature, animals, sunshine, moonlight, and earth, wind, and fire (yes, the band). And so it was. You were granted all of these things, and so much more. Infinitely more.
Still not feeling blessed?
By focusing on all that we are and all that we have, we are granted courage, self esteem, self-realization and purpose. We realize that each one of us is a miracle, and that we each serve a unique purpose that no other human being has ever served, or ever will. We are a combination of original talents, skills, and ambitions that make us who we are. We each have the power to put our own unique fingerprint on the world.
Write down a list of 20 things you are grateful for. That will be a good start. Keep this list in a place where you will see it, or at least have access to it everyday. There is an infinite number of things to be grateful for, so you can always add to the list as more occur to you. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a list of 100 things to be grateful for in a short period of time. Review this list daily, and add to it often.
As human beings, we need constant daily reminders that this life is a miracle, and that we’ve each been given the greatest gift imaginable just by being born. When we focus on what is missing from our lives we are not able to see the abundance that all of us possess. We have family, friends, lovers and partners. We have a sun to warm us, and a magnificent Earth to plant our feet on, and gravity to keep us from floating off somewhere. We have food to eat, water to drink, animals to give us joy and companionship, plants to give us comfort, shade, and oxygen. We have an unlimited amount of experiences that we can learn and grow from, each of them containing their own unique lesson. Are you starting to get it now?
What am I grateful for?
That’s a great question to ask everyday—and not just once. You can use this question to change your focus in ANY situation. If you find yourself worrying about the future, feeling bad about the past, or just focusing on things that you don’t like about your present, ask yourself “What am I grateful for?” Take a moment, take a deep breath and truly think about it. The answers will start flooding in. When you choose to look at life from the perspective of ultimate gratitude, you remove the blinders of illusion and see your life for the miracle that it is. Now that’s something to be thankful for.
If all else fails, remember that you’re the Michael Phelps of sperm. Picture yourself up on the podium with a gold medal around your little spermy neck while the Star Spangled Banner plays. If they ever decide to put sperm on a box of Wheaties, you’d be a lock.
Well this is just gonna be great !!! I can feel it. I am dealing with alot as the New Year begins and staying positive and maintaining an attitude of gratefulness and grace will be key to getting through all that is to come.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of myself as a very positive person, even though I have been through a lot in the past year or two. So this should be right up my alley! Thanks Dave, excited to see where you take this!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave you have such an amazing gift with words . I have always thought the same things but have never been able to put those thoughts into words atleast not in the same way you have so today I am adding you to my list of things to be grateful for :)
ReplyDeleteHilarious. I love the sperm analogy. I have never blogged before, but I can say that i am GRATEFUL for friend like you who gives temporarily housebound women like me an opportunity to connect in a meaningful way to the real world.
ReplyDeleteI must note that having a positive outlook does not mean that you will not experience sadness,grief, stress and even anger. It takes daily practice and an exercise of your will to change your perspective! It is not easy, however, for people who have had near death experiences or already conquered a "beast" in their lifetime, it is a natural progression. P.S. I am a closet complainer, I look forward to this blog as part of my recovery...my speedo and goggles are in place!