Be Grateful For What You Have

As most people who read my articles know that I write a lot about how to become happier, finding ways to become happier, and trying to look on the plus side not the negative. Today I am writing about how to be grateful for what you have and explaining why.

Sometimes our dreams do not come true and that is OK. Some people have money and rich lives, and some people have rich lives not with much money, and some people just exist. What I would like for everyone to take out of what I write today is the meaning behind it. I know we all want money so we can do what we want, but if you are doing anything you are ok.

If you have ever had something taken from you that was not expected like being robbed for example, it is a big hit. Now obviously it is a huge financial loss that is what most people see, but what they do not see is the fear you have all the time after. They do not see the memories that were taken from you, the passion you worked so hard on just gone within a blink of an eye, or the safety you felt before it happened. Whether or not you were home is also a big factor. Were you held up at gun point or did you come home to an empty place? These are the key questions, because the dynamic changes everything. Now you no longer feel safe, and have real fear that will take a while to get through.

Quick story: When I was a young adult this older woman I was friendly with and spoke to a lot was robbed while she was at work, it was so heart breaking. However, it was not the VCR, TV or any materialistic items that were taken from her that broke her; it was the nurse's ring and photo album that was taken that crushed her. She told me I no longer have photos of certain things as a memory. I no longer have my nurse's ring reminding me of that great day I became a nurse. She felt defeated on top of feeling fear of not knowing, will this happen again.

When we look at our lives we should look at the value of them. Things to ask yourself and think about. Do I feel safe in my home? Do I have a place to live? Do I have food and water? Do I have clothes? Do I have a place to sleep? Do I have hobbies? Can I walk, run, or exercise? Am I able to do things on my own? If you answered yes to any of these. Guess what, you have a good life. It may not be the riches you want, but it means something.

Check this out: An American Psychologist Abraham Maslow wrote the Hierarchy of Needs, which is broken down as follows: 1. Physiological needs (air, food, water, shelter, warmth, and clothing), 2. Safety needs (do you feel safe), 3. Love and belonging needs (friendship, relationships, trust, etc), 4. Esteem needs (self-confidence, independence, recognition, and professional success), 5. Self-actualization (personal growth, pursuing creative passions, seeking truths, and maximizing one's talents) found on 2026 June 4 on AI. So as you can see the physiological one is the utmost important. You will always have air and water. The rest I cannot answer for you.

When you have a chance go through the 5 levels of hierarchy and see how you fit in. See what you can improve on your own. Remember if you have food, clothing, and love that surrounds you, your life is good.

I would like everyone to take a few minutes and be grateful for what you have and work on the inside of you not the outside. I have always said you could look like a million dollars and get a negative response, because people see the light in you, not on you. The more joy and happiness you have the more joy and happiness you can spread.

Please be grateful for what have,

Cheryl A Nocera