Focus on That
I can get fairly introspective after being sick. Because even a minor cold reminds me how wonderful it feels to be healthy. Ironically, by losing my health for short periods of time it makes me far more grateful for my healthiness. Losing is the lesson.
As I was pondering this concept of loss, I started imagining how much more grateful we would all be if things in our lives would randomly disappear for a week or two or three. Just like our health disappears briefly when we are sick.
Not to be too dramatic, but imagine losing the ability to see, hear or speak. Actually imagine it. Losing any of those would likely be the worst day of your life. But it would easily be the happiest day once they return. Focus on that.
Imagine suddenly losing your good looks for two weeks. And having to go about your life looking far less attractive than you’re accustomed to. How over the top grateful would you be once your good looks returned? Focus on that.
And what about your wealth? What if it, and all its perks, status and safety, completely vanished for a month before miraculously returning? How scared would you be to not have it, and how ecstatic would you be to finally get it back? Focus on that.
You can easily play this game with everyday things as well, such as indoor plumbing, hot water, electricity, food, a comfortable bed, a home, transportation, your pet, your morning coffee, friendships, family, love, whatever. Big things. Little things. Imagine they disappeared. And then imagine how much of a relief it would be to have them return. Focus on that.
Because that is a different level of gratitude.
"It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack."
-Germany Kent
