Today was a memorable commute to my job as a web developer at Ancestry.com. It’s snowing like mad here in Utah, and I drove about 20 miles per hour the whole way to get here. During the hour commute to work (which normally takes 20 minutes), I was in admiration at the sight of so much snow and spent time thinking of those things I am thankful for.
Situations vary for everyone. Some people are enjoying much success at their careers, others have had businesses fail and are struggling to make ends meet. Some are enjoying healthy relationships, while others struggle to keep things together. Some enjoy great health and vigor, while others struggle staying healthy and are in constant pain. And still some struggle with depression and a lack of excitement about life, while others seem to have a constant stream of enthusiasm.
Turn Your Thoughts to the Good
If you feel your situation less than favorable, or you are struggling with finding positives in life, I know how you feel. Though I strive to be positive, I still have to battle against a depression, which runs in my family. Fortunately I am able to keep the depression at bay, but it is a foe I have to beat back more often than not. If you find yourself in a negative state of mind, recognize what is wrong, but then turn your thoughts to thanks. Thanks that you are alive. Thanks that you are going through experiences that are helping you learn and grow. Thanks to be able to take part in life and share in its experiences.
I, like many of you, have dreams of being super successful. That is being extremely wealthy, having a perfect marriage, being famous, and making an enormous difference in the world where my name will be echoed in the history books long after I have left this earth. Though you may have these thoughts, realize that life is a series of baby steps. All this cannot be accomplished right away. In fact, you will drive yourself crazy if you try and accomplish this all at once. For me, I have areas of improvement in all these categories. I am sure many of you have your own challenges and struggles in the areas you wish to find achievement in. Read this quote that I myself have created and help it bring life into perspective.
If in life you have given all that you have to achieve all that you desire, and even if your efforts end up counting for nothing, know that you are on the path of perfection and no regrets.
This is the path to true happiness. It takes effort and discomfort often times. It is doing all that you can to achieve the deepest desires of your heart. If you spend your time on those things that are worthwhile and never find the success you envision, you can know that you gave your honest best effort, and that the rewards will eventually come, in an abundance that you don’t yet comprehend.
Get Rid of Animosity
I challenge all of you (including myself) to rid yourself of animosity that you have towards one person. That’s it, just one person. Animosity is an angry or hostile attitude towards someone, possibly because that person offended you in some way.
We can never truly understand another person fully. Heck, I have a hard time understanding myself sometimes. By having an attitude of love and forgiveness, we can recognize when others are out of line, but not harbor ill feelings and resentment towards that person. By doing this, you will be in better harmony with positive energy and being happy. Your thoughts will be focused upon better and brighter things.
Final Thanks
I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful to have two parents who are still married and a family where everyone is alive and well. I am thankful for my wife and daughter Ellie. I am thankful for the many struggles and challenges life provides me. Nothing has come easy in my life and I am thankful to learn and grow. I am thankful for my health and the ability to run around and play basketball. I am thankful to have good friends outside of my family who have positive values. I am thankful for the opportunities I have (including this website) to leave my legacy in the world.
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