Rule #2 - Appreciate What You Have

Too often life is about the have and the have nots. Life should never be about what you don't have, it should only ever be about what you have and being thankful for that. Sure, I'd like a new minivan, but I'm thankful I have one and that it still runs. After all, some people don't even have a vehicle or only have one per family. The truth is, if you waste your life trying to get the biggest and the best (insert dream item of your choice here), then you are missing out on the best and simplest pleaure of life - enjoying what you have.

This concept can be transferred to many things not just material things. Do you want more experiences, want more time? Really, this all ties back into how life is all about perspective (remember Rule #1??). What are you dwelling on? Are you focusing on what you want that you don't have, where you want to be and aren't or what you do have and where you are?

So, how do you adjust your focus? How do you start appreciating what you have? I would start by getting to know someone who doesn't have as much as you (and unless you are homeless living on the street with no clothing and are knocking on death's door - there is someone who has less than you, so no excuses). Discuss with them their thoughts on life, their needs and wants. I bet you'll find they are, in some ways, completely different than yours. The differences will most likely be material. As far as everything else goes, I bet they have a lot of the same aspriations as you; to be happy, to be healthy, to be aprpeciated, to be loved.  This individual that you have befriended should help you gain perspective on what you value as important and necessary.

Maybe you aren't comfortable with the aforementioned. So, how else might you begin to appreciate what you have? Well, it's actually quite simple and something you can start with this instant. Be grateful for EVERYTHING. When you wake up in the morning, be grateful that you did. When you get out of bed, be grateful that you can. If you can walk, be grateful that you can. When you brush your teeth, if you have teeth, be grateful that you have them. When someone serves you at a restaraunt, be sincerely grateful for their service. Don't just view it as their job, be grateful for their hardwork.

Does this seem too hard? Then start small. Every day for a month write what you are grateful for. The next month, write down two things you are thankful for. The twlefth month, write down 12 things you are thankful for. Then look back and, please. share your experiences here!