I woke up this morning feeling a little blue, thinking and worrying about the things I don’t have. Like a husband. Or a house on 
the beach. And more money in my savings account. There are some other things on the list, but you get the idea. I remember one of my roommates always used to say, “Focus on what you have, not on what you don’t.” Sometimes, that’s hard to do. So, I try to think about my life and the things I have, like: a loving family, supportive friends, a beautiful cat, a condo I own, freedom, independence, this blog, a fun car, the beach (10 minutes away), and most important, my health. I’m sure if I think on it a little harder and a little longer, there’s lots of other great stuff in my life, too. And even if I don’t have everything I want (right now), I realize I have more than most.
Word to the wise: Don’t let what you want get in the way of what you have. There are many gifts in your life. As you can see from my list, most of them have nothing to do with money. Although it never hurts to have some. Make a point of recognizing and being grateful for your gifts. And if you’re really bummed, just listen to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” by Bobby McFerrin. If that doesn’t make you feel better, I don’t know what will.
What do you do when you get the blues? Note: If I’m lucky enough to get a book deal, your comments may be published anonymously in the upcoming book, “Wise Before 25, 50 Things Young Women Should Know.”
Wise Before 25 
Love this rule! With how busy everyone’s lives are these days it is extremely easy to get caught up and forget to be thankful for what you have. This post reminded me of a situation just the other day. My car broke down (after being fixed) I called my mom very mad about the situation. She listened to me complain and be hateful and then simply said “You should be thankful that you have a paid off car to break down in the first place.”
Just another reminder that it is important to stop and smell the roses every one and a while! : )
Go mom! And yes, every day above ground is a good one and it’s important to take pleasure in the little things. Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is a great way to start the year. Living a life of gratitude. Doesn’t hurt to keep a journal of all the good things (material or otherwise) we have either. Sometimes we just need a reminder….
I think a journal is a great idea. Generally, when I pray at night, I start with all the things that happened during that day that I’m grateful for. And yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition, even though I’m a writer 🙂 But I think it would be nice to have a journal to look back on and see all the days that passed and all the good things that happened over the course of those days – the days or our lives. Wait, I think that’s a soap opera…Wishing you a hopeful and grateful New Year!
I have to remind myself to enjoy whatever situation I have now. Once I get what I want, I tend to move on to wanting the next thing I don’t have. For example, if I am unemployed, I want a job. Once I have a job and been there awhile, I’ll want a vacation.
That is so true! Living in the moment is much harder than it would seem…Thanks for sharing 🙂