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Do you often find yourself wondering when you’re going to get a break, when you’re going to finally have some luck in life or when things might get that little bit easier for you?
If you’re anything like me, you may be quietly asking yourself these questions from time to time.
- Why can’t I make enough money to (enter goal here)?
- How come others seem to have it all together?
- Why don’t people appreciate what they have when I can only dream of it?
- How come I struggle with finding balance?
- Will I ever be noticed for my true strengths?
- Why do others have more luck than me?
- What do I need to do to have people appreciate me?
- How will I find true happiness?
- When will I seriously get a break?!
These questions are different for everyone, but they are the same for everyone too. They have the same theme: When is it my turn?
Here’s a little something I have learned and I constantly work on to remember.
IT HAS BEEN YOUR TURN!
You have been blessed with wonderful, life-changing experiences. You DO have things in your life to appreciate and be eternally thankful for.
Related: How to Practice Gratitude + Easy Gratitude Exercises
Related: The Importance of Gratitude and How to Be Grateful in Life
I encourage you to appreciate the greatness in your life with these two new habits:
1. Take note of all the things in your life you are grateful for.
… and find a way to truly appreciate them.
Some tips:
- Write down what you appreciate and make categories for each (Home, Work, Health, Friendship, etc).
- Think broad… why are you lucky to live where you live (your city/country)? What opportunities do you have in life because of where you live?
- STOP comparing yourself to others. You are unique. There is no one out there who loves like you, laughs like you and thinks the way you do.
- When thinking of what you have in life that is beautiful – remember that what you are grateful for comes in all shapes and sizes.
- Think about and appreciate the simple things around you. After all, it’s the little things that count… the clean air, the freedom to express yourself, having access to books, parks and kind people.
- Take note of the hard work you have put into achieving a goal. Whether you reached your goal or not, what did you learn from working on it? How has this made you grow and changed you for the better?
2. Think of those around you.
Are there people you know who don’t have what you have? Do they work hard, dream and pray to achieve something you might take for granted?
I would say the answer is yes. Yes, you have things others can only dream of.
So, what to do about it? Sit back and truly understand that what you have is important… unique… special.
Also, realize that when others are going through tough times, understanding how blessed you are will help you be a better friend, colleague or neighbour to those who are still planning and dreaming to achieve what you have today.
Understanding how blessed you are will help you be a better friend, colleague and neighbour. Click To Tweet
If you need a little extra help finding what you are grateful for I highly recommend the daily journal that I use…
The 52 Lists Project, A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration
This beautiful journal is broken out into the seasons of the year and gives you specific writing prompts designed to get you to focus on all the good stuff in your life. This makes the perfect gift for yourself so you can see the beauty in your life today. Click here to grab your copy of the 52 Lists Project.
Want more ways to get inspired?! Check out these motivational posts related to personal growth…
- 5 Fun Mindfulness Exercises for a Happy Life
- 20 Quotes to Give You Strength When You’re Feeling Low
- 20 Ways to Find Your Happiness
- Self Care 101. 9 Ways To Look After YOU
- 21 Quotes The Alchemist Teaches You About Love & Life
I’d also love to hear from you.
How do you practice gratitude? Do you try to enjoy the little moments?
Share in the comments below…
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Yolanda xo
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This Year Discover How To Appreciate the Greatness In Your Life. Here are 2 Habits to Start Today! Click To TweetPIN ME
Lovely post, so much truth in it. It’s hard sometimes not to compare yourself to others, especially when you think they may “have it better” or have what you want.
Thanks Julie 🙂 I agree and the crazy thing is that they are most likely thinking the same way about someone else. Even those who seem to have it all together are most likely comparing their situation. We all need to stop!
What a great post, Yolanda. In terms of my career, I certainly fall into the “compare and despair” category; it can be really tough, especially when combined with a healthy dose of perfectionism. I love your prompts and reminders. I’ll definitely keep them in mind as I embark on 2018 with gratitude.
Thanks so much Paula. Comparison is a downward slope for sure. I try and stay away from it, but it can be tough at times as it’s human nature. We just can’t let it control us! Happy New Year 🙂
Wonderful post! I have a daily gratitude journal that I write in before bed. Even something as small as a pb&j sandwich can be a greatness.
Thanks Misty. A PB&J sandwich can sure be great! I am a big fan of appreciating and taking note of the little things in life. They are truly what’s important – even more so than any grand gesture 🙂
Loved this! It’s so true – comparison is the quickest way to feel self-defeat.
Thanks Kelsey. It sure is.
Comparison is a nasty thing! I agree with you, taking note of all that we have been blessed with changes our perspective. I think we can even be thankful for the things in our life that we may see as struggles!
I completely agree with you Rachel – the struggles are so hard, but then what we learn from them help us in so many parts of our life. Thanks for your note!
This is wonderful! And thank you for the reminder to be grateful for and appreciate what I have and might take for granted when others work so hard and yet struggle to have the same or never get there. This is definitely a lesson I needed to read today.
Love this! I tend to dwell on the negative and don’t give myself enough praise for my achievements. I’ve started journaling about my daily wins, no matter how big or small. The positive reflection has helped tremendously!
This is such a powerful post. I’m constantly comparing myself to others, thinking I’m not enough. I need to remind myself I have plenty to offer! Thanks for sharing, Yolanda 🙂
Thanks so much Corey. That means a lot coming from you 🙂 YOU DO have SO much to offer.
I think this is so true! We get so wrapped up even in goal setting for the new year that we forget to appreciate the amazing things we already have.
I find it hard sometimes not to compare, but then I remember that the Bible says we are not to compare ourselves to others. Each of us does have a unique walk/life and no one is the same. Thank you for this reminder!
I really enjoyed reading your post, I don’t have a problem being grateful for all that I have but I do have to watch comparing myself to others and not fully appreciating myself. I have to remind myself of the gifts and talents I’ve been given and how they have impacted others.
So very true Benita! Thanks for your insight 🙂
loved this. Everything about it was great. I even tweeted one of your tweets because I loved this post so much. I think it’s always great to remember to be grateful . One way I do this, is I write it all down. Keeping a journal just helps me remember how blessed I am.
Thanks so much Marvina! I’m really happy it resonated with you and that you DO write it all down in a journal. So important 🙂 Thanks again for the note!
I loved this post! I can truly relate to it! I think it’s so important to stop comparing yourself to others and be grateful for all that you have!
Thanks Allie – 100% agree with you!
These are great tips! I am all for finding more gratitude in 2018!
Thanks Lecy!
so much great advice in this post!!! Laying down comparison does so so much!
I needed this today! I was having a big “when’s it my turn” moment all week! There are so many people out there that would look at my life and think I am so lucky. Great read.
So good to hear Sarah – thanks for the feedback!
These are great! Whenever I’m feeling discontent I always always always focus on gratitude. There’s so much to be thankful for!
There really is so much to be thankful for in our lives and us just taking time out to acknowledge it can much such a difference. Thanks for the note Crystal 🙂
Love this post! I even tweeted out those great quotes. I always compare myself to other people. I can’t understand why I can’t be happy sometimes when people would love to have the life I do. Thanks for this and I just need to remember that I’m different from everyone else. ❤️
Ah, thanks Michelle and thank you for your support. So true – we are all unique and amazing in our own ways xo
It is so important to be grateful for what you already have. It does help put things in perspective, especially when you really want something!
It definitely helps put things into perspective – especially need you need a little pick me up.
This was a breath of fresh air and so much truth to everything you touched on. Sometimes, we have to be reminded that no matter what we can always be grateful for something. Love it!
Thanks so much Vanessa! I’m glad you can relate. I think we all need a reminder at times.
Really like your post. We forget to pay attention to what we do have don’t we? But you reminded me to take notice of all the blessings in my life. Thanks.
We certainly do. We all really do have a lot to be grateful for and finding the time to truly see what those blessings are can make such a difference. Thanks for the note Debrah 🙂
Hi Yolanda,
I loved reading this post! It was such a reminder to enjoy the little things in life and to stop focusing on what is on the outside and start remembering what is on the inside and what you have already accomplished in life. 😊🌺
I also love the way you write. It is very gentle and authentic. It makes the read that much more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this wonderful life advice! 🙏🏼🌺
This post is a wonderful reminder! I think the key to being content is to be appreciative of what you have! I’m definitely going to try to be more grateful in 2019!
Thanks so very much Sarah! It’s something I focus on every single day and what a difference it makes to overall happiness 🙂 I know it will make an impact on you with even a few minutes a day of focusing on gratitude xo
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing that all important reminder that it’s all about gratitude!
Once, we start counting our blessings, we start recognizing who we really are.
Rosemary
xoxo dSs
Hi Rosemary! Thank you so much! I think it’s a good reminder for all of us, especially on grey days xo
I love this post! I’m really working on expressing more gratitude in my life as well. My day planner has a little section at the bottom for gratitude and I’ve been making a habit of writing down at least three things each day that I’m grateful for. Big or small doesn’t matter!
Thanks so much Nicole! It’s amazing that when you’re looking for the good things in your day, that you feel good too. Simple but what a difference it makes 🙂