A Good Thing

- Found this ladybug in a sea of flowers; a good thing-

A good thing should always be noticed.

A good thing must be recognized as such.

A good thing ought to be appreciated.

In the course of our lives, we oftentimes fail to see the blessings, the good things. Often than not, we count as blessings the big items, the material stuff that cost a lot but blessings can come in very simple packages like a glass of cold water after a meal, a smile from anyone, finding some alone time.

It saddens me to see people that handle every day like it's a burden. Honestly, I do not blame those who are struggling to make ends meet act grumpy. However, I still believe that there are still 'hidden' gifts that go unnoticed simply because the negativity towards life takes over. It is more bothersome to see those who have so much to be thankful for waste away a day because they are so self centered; when things are never enough for them.

I will not deny that at one point in my life I did care for the material things and often compared myself with others, feeling envious of what they own. I thank God for experiences that made me realize how ridiculous I was considering I have a loving hubby, two great kids, parents who are still around, a bestfriend in my sister, friends, relatives, good health and the list is endless. I believe in the following sayings-'manage expectations' and 'contentment breeds happiness'.

So what is being contented? To be content is to be 'in a state of peaceful happiness'. Even this definition is simple. Would you be happier driving a Porsche vs driving a Honda Jazz? If your goal is to just get to places, wouldn't the Honda Jazz achieve this as much as a Porsche? I think so right? But if your intention is to boast then the choice you'll make is obvious. The next question is, 'why boast then?'. Life in itself is complicated with challenges that come around the corner when you least expect it, throwing you off guard that you need to sit down to process, gather yourself and fill God with your prayers of help. Material things are temporary sources of happiness--the truth is they do not make you happy for long. Like you, that too will age and lose it's sparkle.

In a nutshell, try as much as you can to see the good things in your life and be thankful for them. Wake up and see what matters, or rather, what should matter. It's a shame to not see what's beautiful in you and around you. I'm not perfect at it. I forget and fail or sometimes the troubles are just too much for me to handle smoothly but the thing is, I get up and call in the positive vibes to fill me. My family is well and that alone is more than just a good thing.

Postscript:

As I ended writing this post, I smiled remembering the good things that I have already experienced and the day is not over yet-woke up with my family around me, had a good 14 km run with hubby, got some work done, got the permits needed for the repair at my house, visited my sister who is not feeling well, saw my mother for a few minutes, bumped into a friend at the grocery, had a great roast beef sandwich and right this minute, having my kids home.