I have been watching a lot of motivational videos both for pleasure and for my internship. And the one thing that I've been wanting to exercise is the act of being grateful for what I have and where I am. I take my situation for granted--I live at home with my parents, which means that I am really well taken care of at home. Housing, food and laundry--all taken care of! Yet what do I do about this situation? I complain and express how limiting it is to be at home. I only focus on the negative side because things in my life aren't in the best shape. Thus I fail to appreciate how lucky I've got it. I have been wanting to get to know my family ever since I've returned from my experience abroad. So this is my opportunity to get to know my family, especially my dear mom. I want to learn more about my family history and understand my parents better. Despite the language barrier, I am going to have more conversations with my parents. It is definitely a priority on my 2012 goal list.
So I am going to write three things I am grateful for every day to keep myself grounded and positive about the situation that I am currently in.
1) I am grateful for the food that I have access to. I just read about the famine in the horn of Africa and I felt so guilty after reading the article because I have not been appreciative of the food that I eat. I have always had a troubling relationship with food and reading about the food shortage really put things in perspective for me. I am blessed to be able to eat everything from McDonald's to healthy salads. I am grateful for my mom's delicious food every night.
2) I am grateful for the gym. I have been going to the gym for two months now and it has made me a happier person. I am so lucky to be able to afford a decent gym in Soho, NYC. I ought not to bitch and complain about going there because it really is a privilege.
3) I am grateful to have a cell phone. Ever since I have been living in NYC, I have been embarrassed about my cell phone...because I do not own a smartphone. I have a cell phone with a pop-out keyboard. I LOVED it when I first bought it, but now I am even ashamed to give out my number because I have to take it out of my pocket and reveal that TA-DA, I have one of those "ancient" phones where you can't check your email or download apps. Well, my sole purpose of having a cell phone is to be able to call and text. And my phone is handy dandy in doing that. But honestly, it feels like everyone is expected to have a smartphone and if you don't, you're branded as a loser. My phone may not be "smart" but it never runs out of batteries when you need it the most.
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So, there you have it. Three things, every day...tiny steps to building a healthy, positive outlook on life.
In addition to this, I am working on a visualization book where I am going to make a book of goals for myself. Some will be long term life goals, while others will be 2012 oriented goals. I'll take photos once I'm done. 2012 will be a better year...I just know it!
the twentysomething year old
- mosaicpieces
- New York, NY, United States
- What makes life so interesting are the risks you take and the people you meet. I've lived the majority of my life fearing the consequences of risks. Well, that's what the twenties are for! I am going to write about my trials and tribulations of being a twentysomething year old in this big world, trying to figure it all out. It's going to be a topsy turvy ride, but that's what being in your twenties is all about.
your posts make me smile! :) such a refreshing, uplifting outlook on life!
ReplyDeletedon't worry, i have a "stupid" phone, too, and i think there's a certain growing pride in still owning one of those.. :P