Where is justice, where is love
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more. – Brother David Steindl-Rast
1. You still have family members who love you
2. You still have friends that care for you
3. You are still healthy
4. You did not went to sleep hungry last night
5. You do not need to beg for food today
6. You need not sleep outside in the cold
7. You can still apologize for your wrongdoings today
8. You still have your own freewill
9. You can still work for a better tomorrow
10. You can still start all over again
While we all try to avoid sadness and misery of life, without having experience true sadness, how then can we appreciate happiness? How then can we appreciate the things we come to have, the things we come to take for granted?
If you are reading this, that means you have internet access. Know that there are millions outside who can only dream to learn how to read, much less having access to internet.
True contentment comes from genuine love for others who are much less fortunate than us and true happiness comes from being content.
As much as happiness is what we all seek, it starts from within ourselves. And as much as some may come to think it has to do with materials, money, fame, power and love, so is being content for what we have and caring for others who are much less fortunate.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
a very honest yet awakening article. we all sometimes too busy complaining of what we don’t have and forgot the things we do own.
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If only we cherished the things we have, wouldn’t it be different, the world we’ve come to live in.
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I don’t usually comment, but this is really one hell of a good article. If only more come to understand the simplicity of happiness, what a peaceful world we would live in. Good luck with your new blog! i mean it.
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There are times when all you ever need is to appreciate and love your surroundings. You put that in a form of a great article. Kudos.
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@ Pete
Thank you Pete for the great comment. i can’t agree more. In the end of the day, i believe all we are searching for are no more than plain simplicity in life? You have a great day.
@ James
Your word moved me. A plain sentence to describe what this article is all about. Kudos back at you =)
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I do agree with your article, sometimes though,life is not as simple as we want it to be. There will always be obstacles,hindrance or drawbacks but with great determination to lead a blessed and happy life we do have to be very grateful for what we have and give thanks to what we received. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of our fortunes.
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Hi Mel. I believe obstacles, hindrance and drawbacks are a good way to remind us that everything is but a work in progress, even happiness from what we already have because things come and go as they like sometimes, with or without our control.
To me, content takes more than just saying and believe in the word. God knows how emotions can sometimes be very overwhelming it strips us of our logic to think straight. Usually this occur when you lost something very dear to you. In that case, only time can heal the wound.
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The #4 till #7 really gets me thinking how lucky i am. Good post Nik =)
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I had the climax in the middle, just like the movies ;p
On a serious note, i am always emotionally sadden to see homeless people having to go through these everyday apart from #7. Thank you for your comment Miliko.
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Gratitude is such an important practice. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful for everything we have.
Kaizan´s last blog ..What Do You Do If You Hate Monday Mornings?
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Hi Kaizan. Thank you for dropping a comment. Gratitude is a good practice that many tend to forget when they got too caught up chasing things they do not come to own and want. And the pleasure is all mine =)
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Karlil,
i’m start to realized about my lucky life after read your article….
Feel thankful because i still have a family, friends, live in a healthy life, sleep well, can have great food everyday, sleep on my best bed, realize my wrongdoings, wish whatever i want, work in such happy place, and also can start what i want all over again…
so, keep it up karlil….
wish that i read your other article later….
*wink! ~~(^_^)
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Hi preityhani85, thanks for dropping by. The article is nothing but a reminder of how lucky we are. i believe, everyone, deep inside them come to know this. They just tend to forget about it when they most needed it. I wish you well and i would love to see your new comment some other day. Take care.
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Karlil: What a great posts. We tend to neglect our privileged status and take it for granted – but we should rejoice on every breath we can make without experiencing the grief and pain that others go through.
We shouldn’t feel guilty either for having this life – but a grateful and honest “Thank you” to whomever has brought us in this position would make your own small burdens would feel like feathers on your back.
Patrick´s last blog ..How to Love Yourself – the Master Key for Your Life
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Hi Patrick. I’ve always come to feel at peace with myself and my surroundings when i constantly remind how lucky i am compared to the many out there.
So, through good times and bad times, i’m happy.
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