Or so I've been told.
Wow, whatever happened to, "No good deed goes unnoticed," or "No good deed goes unrewarded," or even, "Every good deed is its own reward"? Hmmmm...not so much.
So, yeah, today I got TOTALLY (say it in the Valley Girl voice) burned for truly thanking someone for going above and beyond to help me with a very difficult issue. What do I get in return? The thanks shoved back in my face. Hard. Wait, did I not get this right? Did I say the wrong words? When did "Thank You" become evil?
In modern society, as we become harsher, ruder, and taking things for granted, I really wanted keep some civility in life. I decided years ago I'd be more thankful, and I have. It's been nothing but gratifying for me, not to mention others. I make an effort to have some sort of manners; it seems to be a dying art. And to those who may know me and disagree, rest assured, I'm working on it.
Does an ungrateful attitude stop me from thanking them? No. Would I do it again? Yes - and again, and again, and again. I feel for those who can't accept an ounce of gratitude to brighten their day, for if they can't do that, very little CAN.
Yeah, and we wonder why polls say Americans are becoming ruder.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Pursuit of Happiness
Yes, I've ignored you long enough, blog. I've ignored you because I don't want to simply post something about myself, because it would only be a long string of problems, complaints, self-pity, etc. I don't dignify that with a post. Plus, how horribly boring would that be to read (even to myself)?
So, I'm happy to report that I got what I deserved: a kick in the pants! We all sometimes need the proverbial slap in the face to sometimes see beyond ourselves. I think I was actually looking for it this time, so I'm more than happy to find it. I'm sure most people have heard the saying about someone who complains that he has no shoes until he meets someone who has no feet. Yeah, it's something like that. See, I've been trying to get past a lot of hurdles: my unemployment, my daughter's medical condition (yes, that'll be a future post), ongoing battles with the insurance company, financial insecurity, failure of my own business endeavors, etc. Few people who are aware of my situation actually ask me, "How can you be happy?" The truth is, how could I not be?
For example, today I learned of a simple man here in the US from Burundi. One look at him will tell you he is a suffered soul. Ask him how old he is, and he will tell you he isn't exactly sure, and that's the truth, but he is in his mid 30's, as I am. He lost his father when he was 4, and doesn't know, to this day, if his mother is alive. He grew up in a refugee camp for 11 years. I learned of his hardships going from country to country, trying to eek out a living, let alone a life. He now works what we all would consider a menial job, yet he is happy. He is happy because he is allowed to live his life and provide for his family in peace. He has never before known the right of pursuing his own happiness.
I remind others, knowing of my situation or not, that you can strive to be happy every day. It's a privilege to have the constitutional right of the "pursuit of happiness". Of course, this does not ensure happiness, but you can seek it if you so desire. As I listen to others, many are blissfully unaware that the majority of the world does not have this privilege. We take for granted what more than half the world yearns for. You have the blessing of living one more day! If you can read this post, then you have more than most people in this world. Be thankful, be loving, be kind. It makes the world of difference to yourself, and who knows - it may even brighten someone else's day.
So, I'm happy to report that I got what I deserved: a kick in the pants! We all sometimes need the proverbial slap in the face to sometimes see beyond ourselves. I think I was actually looking for it this time, so I'm more than happy to find it. I'm sure most people have heard the saying about someone who complains that he has no shoes until he meets someone who has no feet. Yeah, it's something like that. See, I've been trying to get past a lot of hurdles: my unemployment, my daughter's medical condition (yes, that'll be a future post), ongoing battles with the insurance company, financial insecurity, failure of my own business endeavors, etc. Few people who are aware of my situation actually ask me, "How can you be happy?" The truth is, how could I not be?
For example, today I learned of a simple man here in the US from Burundi. One look at him will tell you he is a suffered soul. Ask him how old he is, and he will tell you he isn't exactly sure, and that's the truth, but he is in his mid 30's, as I am. He lost his father when he was 4, and doesn't know, to this day, if his mother is alive. He grew up in a refugee camp for 11 years. I learned of his hardships going from country to country, trying to eek out a living, let alone a life. He now works what we all would consider a menial job, yet he is happy. He is happy because he is allowed to live his life and provide for his family in peace. He has never before known the right of pursuing his own happiness.
I remind others, knowing of my situation or not, that you can strive to be happy every day. It's a privilege to have the constitutional right of the "pursuit of happiness". Of course, this does not ensure happiness, but you can seek it if you so desire. As I listen to others, many are blissfully unaware that the majority of the world does not have this privilege. We take for granted what more than half the world yearns for. You have the blessing of living one more day! If you can read this post, then you have more than most people in this world. Be thankful, be loving, be kind. It makes the world of difference to yourself, and who knows - it may even brighten someone else's day.
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