Live is a privilege, not a punishment
When you're tempted to give in to anger, resentment, self-pity envy or other feelings of negativity, remember this: life is a privilege, not a punishment.
Think of how a tiny insect acts to save its own life when injured or threatened. Consider the compelling wisdom in that instinct for self-preservation. Life is precious to the living no matter how seemingly insignificant. It is a privilege worth preserving and nurturing.
Last year my 80+ year old aunt who was in a convalescent hospital recovering from breaking her leg for the second time. Ever since I can remember, she’s always whined, complained, assumed the role of victim and generally been miserable. She’s always acted as if life was a punishment to be endured rather than a blessing to be enjoyed. And she wasn't a fun person to be around and never had been. To be honest, I tried to avoid her as much as possible because she was such a "downer."
My aunt’s health issue and her continuous complaining reminded me of several important lessons. First, it reminded me to live in the moment because no one (no matter how young or how old) knows exactly how many moments they have left.
Second, it reminded me to say all the loving and kind things aloud that we just assume people know. Whatever you'd regret not having said after somebody dies say it now. People like to hear "thank you""I love you""I appreciate the extra effort you put into that project." It also will make your feel great.
On the flip side, whatever petty grievances or grudges you're holding onto let go of them now. Why hold onto those negative feelings for one more day? Does being right really mean more to you than being happy? How do you really feel deep down in your guts when you're harboring negative feelings towards another? Is your perceived victory really worth the price?
On the flip side, whatever petty grievances or grudges you're holding onto let go of them now. Why hold onto those negative feelings for one more day? Does being right really mean more to you than being happy? How do you really feel deep down in your guts when you're harboring negative feelings towards another? Is your perceived victory really worth the price?
My aunt’s broken leg reminded me of a third lesson. As long as you're alive you can make a contribution to somebody's life. My aunt could have made her nurses’ workdays more enjoyable or brought a smile to another patient’s face. Instead she did the opposite and wonder why the staff at the hospital wasn't “jumping at her command” and why friends and family didn't call or visit.
Be necessary. That doesn't mean being co-dependent or playing the martyr. It means making the world a better place because you're alive and that can be done by such simple acts as smiling at strangers or letting somebody in front of you in the grocery store. The more necessary you make yourself the more successful and the happier you'll be in this world.
How many lives can you improve today? What can you do that will make the most difference for the most people? What special thing do you have to offer and how can you get others to benefit from it?
No matter what kind of work you do, what your age or physical condition, there is always the opportunity for you to make a difference. All you have to do is to focus on the positive, smile, truly listen to other people from a loving space inside your heart rather than from a judgment place inside your head and you become a healing agent for the planet. You play a very important role. There are really no menial jobs and there are no magnificent jobs. It is the person doing the work who gives that work value. It is the desire and ability to effectively serve others that brings about success and happiness.
Every day in and in every situation, make yourself necessary or at the minimum pleasant to be around. Seek out ways to offer a meaningful contribution. Enthusiastically place yourself in the service of others. That is the attitude which leads to success. That is the pathway of accomplishment, wealth and excellence. Be necessary, make a positive difference and you will enjoy your life more and you will leave a wonderful legacy for all whose lives you have touched.
You're not a victim. You're a miracle. You have precious life and it is magnificent. Keep that in mind and live it accordingly. Life is a privilege, not a punishment. Think about that. Look at your attitude and consider your actions from the perspective that life is indeed a privilege.
What can you do to improve somebody else's day without getting "credit" for doing it? The more you focus on others, the better you'll feel and the more you'll enjoy life.
Posted by Joanne P. Stein at 3/15/2009 6:05 PM 
Categories: benefits of change,Personal Growth,stress management,LAW OF ATTRACTION,Courage,Coaching,Spirituality
Tags: empowerment enlightenment Law of Attraction spiritual coaching success work life balance joyologist joy stress reduction spirituality
Categories: benefits of change,Personal Growth,stress management,LAW OF ATTRACTION,Courage,Coaching,Spirituality
Tags: empowerment enlightenment Law of Attraction spiritual coaching success work life balance joyologist joy stress reduction spirituality
Dear Joanne,
I fully agree with your words. Well written, inspirational. Thank you so much.
I would like to translate it into German to distribute it here in Vienna, Austria. Viennese people are often complaining about lots of things which I hate. It doesn't solve anything but makes others feel miserable too. I would like to contribute to a joyous feeling. Live is great. Sometimes, we cannot see it because we are so absorbed by our tiny little problems. It's high time to celebrate life - there are plenty of reasons.
Have a wonderful day - greetings from good old Austria.
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