Right now the world news is a very disturbing place for many; there is just so much suffering going on; non stop and in some places it is getting worse. It makes me feel very grateful for my life in Australia, free from suffering, free from war, free from misery.
Natural disasters are part of life on our planet but some countries seem to have more than their share of natural disasters. Australia has it’s own fair share too. In Australia we have come through three hard years in succession and it’s not over yet.
It is times like this that I realise how fortunate I am to live in Australia though. Australia has a very low rate of infection from the Pandemic compared to many countries. So one cannot complain on that level really. Yes many are suffering emotionally, financially and even the loss of their jobs and or homes.
But I am still very grateful, because millions of people world wide are going through so much suffering.
Taking time to examine ones life makes one appreciative for the good things, no matter how small they are, they matter and we must be grateful. Having loved ones around me makes me grateful, and we all know we are supported by each other. Not everyone has such a luxury in this world.
The things that we take as our rights in this world should not be taken for granted, we must be grateful for them every moment. Moving forward and hopefully in a positive mindset, we all must learn to appreciate and be grateful for everything that we have in our lives. Moving away from keeping up with the Jones's to a more benevolent and thoughtful mindset. The world that we knew is gone, but a new world has begun, how things play out is up to us.
Priorities need to be refocused to living a simpler life and quality of life; to get the most out of life for everyone. Refocus on consumerism, from I want; to do I really need this? Making do with things that are still useable rather than upgrading to the latest version. To me that says greed, the item is not a need , it is a want. It is a luxury upgrading to the latest phone, pc or latest technology is not being grateful, it is being indulgent, gratifying rather than grateful.
It amazes me how quickly society has transitioned over the past 35 to perhaps 40 years to become so consumer driven. With the lack of insight into how long this can be sustained, or is it harmful to society.
When I look back to my childhood and further back to my parents and grand parents and even to my great grandparents; I see in such a short time humanity has evolved into a greedy ungrateful and wasteful species. No one wants to keep this in check, but it cannot be sustained at this ever increasing rate.
It is time to say slow down and just breath; be grateful for the earth that we live in, for nature, and to help our fellow man and the animals too. Nurture more and want less, teach children to be grateful and not to be greedy. Teach them responsibility and accountability. Simpler lives create less stress; so now is the time as we gradually recover from the pandemic and step into this new world; that we have the mindset to live in a more grateful, less greedy and demanding world.
Just imagine life in a very poor third world country; where survival depends on the entire family helping each other. Their lives are basic but also stressful due to lack. Medical care is a luxury in these unfortunate countries. We seem to take our right to a doctor or medical care for granted. That may not always be the case; as we emerge into this new society, patience and gratitude is the tool to understanding the way forward.
I believe the time is now to be grateful and help each other. Many people will be unemployed through no fault of their own. Many will not recover from the financial loss: how do we help these people?
Many will default on home loans; but will perhaps not get the help they need to save their home from being taken from them. How on earth do we help these unfortunate people?
I don't think there is an easy answer to all of this, but how we treat each other and being supportive does something to ease the stress. We will come through this; but life will be forever changed for many of us.
Learn to be grateful for what you have in this life, because it can be taken in an instant, nothing is guaranteed, except how we respond. Learn the lessons and be grateful for what you have not what you want.
