Easy come, easy go: How to appreciate what you have
In this modern age, we are constantly striving for more. We want the latest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, and the fanciest cars. We always find ourselves wanting more because we believe that having more will make us happier. However, the truth is that happiness cannot be bought with material possessions. It comes from within, and it can only be achieved by learning to appreciate what we already have.
The phrase “easy come, easy go” is a common saying that means when something comes easily, it can also leave just as easily. This phrase is applicable to many aspects of our lives, including our possessions, our relationships, and our achievements. In this article, we will discuss the importance of appreciating what we have in life and how it can lead to a happier and more contented life.
Why do we need to appreciate what we have?
Gratitude is one of the most important virtues we can possess. It allows us to acknowledge the good things in our lives, even when things might not be going exactly as planned. When we appreciate what we have, we become less self-centered and more compassionate. Here are some reasons why we need to appreciate what we have in our lives.
- It fosters positivity and well-being
Gratitude is an emotion that is closely associated with positivity and happiness. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we become more aware of the good things in our lives, which helps us to feel happier and more contented. Numerous studies have shown that people who are grateful have a more positive outlook on life and enjoy better mental and physical health. - It strengthens relationships
When we show gratitude towards others, it strengthens our relationships with them. Gratitude helps us to recognize and appreciate the efforts of others, which in turn fosters stronger bonds and better communication. You can let your friends or family know that you appreciate them by doing something as simple as telling them. - It helps us stay grounded
It is easy to get carried away with our goals and ambitions, an excess of which might lead to dissatisfaction if we fail to achieve them. By appreciating what we have, we can stay grounded and remind ourselves of the things that really matter in life. We can become more mindful about things that bring us happiness and make us happy. - It cultivates humility
When we appreciate what we have, we become more humble. We recognize that the things we have are not solely due to our own efforts, but the blessings of life. Cultivating a humble attitude to life helps us focus on the needs of others and strengthens our ability to empathize.
How to appreciate what you have?
It is one thing to acknowledge the importance of appreciating what we have, but it is quite another to put it into practice. Here are some ways that can help cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your daily life.
- Keep a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is a notebook where you record the things that you are grateful for. Each day, take some time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, and write them down in your journal. It could anything or anyone that made you happy, from having a cup of coffee with a friend, sleep in on a weekend, being grateful for a warm bed or a roof over your head. - Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of bringing your thoughts back to the present moment. When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our surroundings and the things we are doing. We become more mindful of the small things in life we often ignore such as the textiles of our clothes, the sounds of the surrounding environment we rarely notice. Mindfulness helps us to focus our attention on the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. - Appreciate the little things in life
We often get so focused on achieving our goals that we overlook the little things in life. These small things are the building blocks of happiness, and we should appreciate them whenever possible. Something as simple as enjoying an evening cup of tea, a good book or a beautiful sunrise, can help us appreciate the present moment and develop an attitude of gratitude. - Use positive affirmations
Positive affirmations are statements that help us focus on the positive aspects of our lives. They can be simple statements such as, “I am grateful for my health,” or “I am thankful for my loving family.” Using positive affirmations daily, help us to focus on the things we have rather than focusing on the negatives. - Give back to the community
Volunteering or giving back to the community is an excellent way to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. It gives us the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of others, and it helps us appreciate the things we have in our lives. Giving back helps us to be grateful for our own blessings while making a difference in another’s life.
Conclusion
Appreciating what we have is a crucial aspect of personal growth, and it is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life, which should always be our ultimate aim. By cultivating gratitude, we become more positive, happier, and more contented individuals. It strengthens our relationships, helps us stay grounded, cultivates humility, and makes us appreciate the small things in life. Therefore, every day, it is important to take some time to reflect on the positive aspects of our lives, acknowledge them, and express our gratitude for them. When we stop taking things for granted and start appreciating the blessings in our lives, we can live a happier life. Remember, easy come, easy goes, but what remains are the things we appreciate and that makes us happy. So, try and appreciate what you have now before it’s too late!