Last year while in Budapest for a TV show, I was invited to church by my friend Iwo, on a bright Sunday morning. As it was late September the leaves had begun turning red to greet the winter. On a quiet Sunday morning, I met Iwo outside the studio where we recorded our tv shows. Joined by another friend Patrick, we walked across the street where the tram tracks were hidden under the crisp leaves. We hopped on the tram that took us to Moscow Square. The square was vibrant with people dressed up going to church. I was eager to explore what the sermon would be like. I did not know what to expect, however when we reached the church, we were greeted by warm handshakes, joyful smiles... and hot coffee that indeed smelled great. On a chilly day, a cup of hot coffee and soulful music, being indoors felt blissful. Through the glass doors I could see the green garden and the valley. I felt great being in that environment. Soon the drums, the guitar and the singing faded and the pastor began the sermon with a story on gratitude.
The story was short yet intense and concluded with two simple words, "thank you." He spoke of how important it is to say, 'thank you' for all the good things we are blessed with. Often times, he said, we tend to become so focused on what we want that we become oblivious to what we have.
Hearing the pastor speak, I remembered this guy whom I had known in college. He lived in Washignton D.C... actually now that i recall correctly, he lived in The Future. He would call me and complain of how he did not have a job, but would forget to mention that he was about to graduate with honors. He often mentioned that he did not have a car, but never acknowledged the nice apartment he lived in. I always heard him aspiring for more and quite never heard him celebrate his achievements. This guy, I thought, could not be content and happy with all the great things that he was blessed with for he always looked at the glass half empty.
At some point or the other we have all known this guy. He visits everyone periodically. He is Mr. Negative (guys don't sweat, there are Ms. Negative's as well). There is a great way of keeping negative at bay... by be-friending the positive. We all have positive aspects in life yet at times we forget to celebrate our achievements. Often times the simple things go unnoticed or are taken for granted. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the education we receive, the fun we have, the support we get from our friends, significant others and the universe are all facets that contribute to our well being. Yet how many times do we thank and bless these things and people? I recently read somewhere that it is great to dream of what could be while being happy with what is.
Take a minute, rewind and think to yourself of what you aspired for five years ago? Did you put enough effort towards acheiving it? Do you have that now - even if its in small measures? If the answer is yes, then your dreams and aspirations are working for you. You just need to show gratitude, celebrate your little victories and wait for the magic to unfold. If nothing else, saying thank you will remind you of all the good things you have and bring you a smile. We could all use a smile. If you can not rejoice in what you have acheived this far, what makes you think that you will be able to do so even after you acquire a fortune?
Next time you tend to think of what you lack... stop and think of all that you have... and don't forget the two simple words, THANK YOU! Thank you for reading...
The story was short yet intense and concluded with two simple words, "thank you." He spoke of how important it is to say, 'thank you' for all the good things we are blessed with. Often times, he said, we tend to become so focused on what we want that we become oblivious to what we have.
Hearing the pastor speak, I remembered this guy whom I had known in college. He lived in Washignton D.C... actually now that i recall correctly, he lived in The Future. He would call me and complain of how he did not have a job, but would forget to mention that he was about to graduate with honors. He often mentioned that he did not have a car, but never acknowledged the nice apartment he lived in. I always heard him aspiring for more and quite never heard him celebrate his achievements. This guy, I thought, could not be content and happy with all the great things that he was blessed with for he always looked at the glass half empty.
At some point or the other we have all known this guy. He visits everyone periodically. He is Mr. Negative (guys don't sweat, there are Ms. Negative's as well). There is a great way of keeping negative at bay... by be-friending the positive. We all have positive aspects in life yet at times we forget to celebrate our achievements. Often times the simple things go unnoticed or are taken for granted. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the education we receive, the fun we have, the support we get from our friends, significant others and the universe are all facets that contribute to our well being. Yet how many times do we thank and bless these things and people? I recently read somewhere that it is great to dream of what could be while being happy with what is.
Take a minute, rewind and think to yourself of what you aspired for five years ago? Did you put enough effort towards acheiving it? Do you have that now - even if its in small measures? If the answer is yes, then your dreams and aspirations are working for you. You just need to show gratitude, celebrate your little victories and wait for the magic to unfold. If nothing else, saying thank you will remind you of all the good things you have and bring you a smile. We could all use a smile. If you can not rejoice in what you have acheived this far, what makes you think that you will be able to do so even after you acquire a fortune?
Next time you tend to think of what you lack... stop and think of all that you have... and don't forget the two simple words, THANK YOU! Thank you for reading...
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