Eliza Hartley
Ever heard the phrase, “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it?”
Here’s the scoop.
The secret to a full, rich life isn’t about the good things that happen to us. It’s about how we respond to everything – both the good and the bad.
In this article, we’re going to explore these 7 things that people with a deep appreciation for life rarely complain about. If these ring true for you, then give yourself a pat on the back – you’re doing something right!
Get ready. This might just change your perspective on life!
1) Bad weather
Let’s face it.
We’ve all found ourselves grumbling about the weather at some point. Whether it’s too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too windy, there’s always something to complain about.
But here’s the thing.
If you’re someone who can appreciate the beauty of a rainy day, or find joy in a freezing winter morning, you’re definitely onto something. It’s all about finding beauty in the ordinary and understanding that every kind of weather has its own charm.
After all, without a bit of rain, we wouldn’t have beautiful rainbows.
See what I mean? It’s all about perspective.
2) Traffic
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
Traffic? Seriously?
Let me explain.
I used to join the ranks of those who despised traffic. It felt like a colossal waste of time, an infuriating, unnecessary interruption in my day.
But then something shifted.
One day, stuck in a seemingly endless line of cars, I decided to try something different. Instead of getting frustrated, I turned on some relaxing music, leaned back in my seat, and simply observed.
I watched the sun setting in the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. I listened to the soft hum of the city around me, interspersed with laughter and chatter from nearby pedestrians.
Suddenly, it wasn’t a traffic jam anymore. It was a moment of peace and solitude amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
This isn’t to say that I now love traffic. But it doesn’t bother me as much anymore. I’ve learned to find moments of joy within it.
3) Waiting in line
Ah, the dreaded waiting line.
Whether it’s at the grocery store, a popular restaurant, or even the doctor’s office, nobody likes waiting. But here’s my story.
I used to be impatient too, always checking the time, tapping my foot, and sighing in annoyance. It seemed like a waste of precious time.
Then came a day when I found myself in a particularly long line at the coffee shop.
Instead of grumbling, I decided to look around. I noticed a mother patiently explaining something to her curious child. I saw two old friends bump into each other and share a hearty laugh.
I watched the barista skillfully crafting each cup of coffee with care and precision.
Before I knew it, it was my turn to order.
The wait had transformed into an opportunity to slow down and observe life unfolding around me. It was a reminder that life isn’t just about rushing from one task to another; it’s also about appreciating the journey along the way.
4) Monday mornings
They’ve earned quite a reputation, haven’t they? The dreaded start of a new week, the end of the weekend’s bliss.
But here’s another way to look at it.
Monday mornings can be seen as a fresh start, the beginning of a week full of potential. Sure, it might mean getting back to work or school, but it also means new opportunities for growth and achievement.
If you’re someone who doesn’t grumble about Monday mornings but rather embraces them with optimism and enthusiasm, then kudos to you.
You’ve truly mastered the art of appreciating life and its endless possibilities.
5) Aging
Now here’s a big one.
Our youth-obsessed culture often views aging as something to be feared or even avoided. Wrinkles, gray hair, and slower reflexes – they’re all seen as negatives.
Consider this.
In many cultures around the world, older individuals are revered for their wisdom and experience. And did you know that people’s overall happiness levels tend to increase as they age?
You’re someone who doesn’t dread or complain about getting older, but instead sees it as a natural evolution of life and an opportunity to grow wiser and richer in experiences, then you’re truly living life with a deep appreciation.
Because remember, aging is a privilege denied to many.
6) Failure
This is something that took me a while to come to terms with.
Failure. Just the word used to send shivers down my spine. I mean, who wants to fail, right?
But then I started a business. And, let me tell you, it was one heck of a roller coaster ride. Ups and downs, twists and turns – I’ve seen it all.
And yes, there were failures. Projects that didn’t take off, deals that fell through, ideas that just didn’t work out.
Here’s what I learned.
Each failure was a stepping stone. A lesson learned, an opportunity to grow, to improve. It was never really a dead-end; it was just a detour.
Now, I don’t complain about failures. Instead, I see them as milestones on my journey.
7) Change
Change. Inevitable, constant, and often, unsettling.
Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, or even adapting to a global pandemic, change can be daunting.
Change is also a catalyst for growth. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, challenges us to adapt, and opens up new horizons.
If you’re someone who doesn’t resist or complain about change but instead welcomes it as an opportunity to learn and grow, then you are truly living life with a deep appreciation for all its twists and turns.
Embrace change. After all, it’s the only constant in life.
Final thoughts
If you see yourself reflected in these seven points, it’s a clear indication that you carry a deep appreciation for life.
That’s truly commendable.
But remember, this isn’t a static state – it’s a constant practice. As life throws its curveballs, it’s essential to keep reminding ourselves of these perspectives.
Notice when you’re about to complain about something on this list. Pause. Reflect. Is there another way to see the situation? Can you find something positive in it?
This won’t always be easy. But each time we choose appreciation over complaint, we strengthen our capacity to cherish life in all its colors.
Practicing gratitude and finding joy in the ordinary isn’t just about fostering positivity. It’s about embracing life wholeheartedly – the good and the bad, the ups and the downs.
As the famous author Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
So here’s to living life with an open heart and a ready smile, appreciating every moment that comes our way.
