“Today before you think of saying an unkind word– think of someone who can’t speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food– think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife– think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life– think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children– think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep– think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive– think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job– think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another– remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down– put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.
Life is a gift. I recognize that when I begin to do any of the things on the left (i.e. complain, whine, argue, or be unkind) that I cannot feel good and do any of those things at the same time. In order to feel good I have to think kind thoughts, I have to give the benefit of the doubt to those who share my abode, I have to communicate with the goal of the relationship in mind (harmony, peace, love, kindness, respect, understanding), and that whining gives my power to make my world as I want it to be to another (or others).
Recognizing that I cannot feel good and do those things, I choose to think/speak/act in the direction that feels good to me.
In my positive emotional state I am a better person than I am in a negative emotional state. I am kinder, healthier, and a better friend/wife/mom/daughter/motivational speaker/writer/etc.
We cannot be our best potential self while we are doing those things. When we are our best potential self our capacity to help the examples on the right is greater.
How true this article is! Recently visited those in Rehab/Nursing Facility where I was visiting a woman I thought would not have lasted but she did so down to the dinning room we went in her wheel chair. At her table alone, along with several others throughout the dinning area were these souls, some could not walk, most had blank stares, uncouncious of the tray of food being placed before them. They are existing. Yet, I am able to get up, walk out, start my car and do what needs to be done. “Life is a Gift, Never Take it For Granted”