Aren’t grandkids wonderful? In spite of tiring you out, don’t they make you feel young again? Doesn’t it make you feel like you have a second chance to correct all the mistakes you made bringing up your own kids?

I played tennis last night with my two sons (both now grown) and Brandon, my 8-year old grandson. We had a great time although I spent most of my time chasing balls. My tennis game definitely isn’t what it used to be!

During one of those moments when I was trying to catch my breath, it hit me how lucky I was. My two sons have grown into fine young men, each with a successful career. My oldest son has a beautiful family with a son of his own and a brand new daughter, all in good health. We’ve been truly blessed. I closed my eyes for a moment and turned my head slightly up, felt a slight breeze brush my face, and said, “Thank you.”

I believe that one of the things that has made a significant change in my life has been trying to live it with a sense of gratitude instead of a sense of entitlement. The former satisfies and fills you with a sense of wonder and appreciation while the latter leaves you resentful, bitter, and empty.

Sitting in a meditation hall, I once listened to a Buddhist monk talk about traveling around his country with no processions, no money, and only the clothes on his back. He was totally dependent on the kindness of others for his food and transportation. He said, “I really enjoy being having nothing because when someone gives me something, I appreciate it that much more.”

In a worldly sense, he was the definition of “poor.” However, here was a man that literally radiated inner peace and loving kindness. It was impossible to look at his beaming and contented face and call him “poor.”

Take a look around at the life that you have built. No, take a good look. Don’t look with your eyes, see with your heart. See all of the things that mean the most to you – your family, your kids, your friends. See the healthy mind and body that you inhabit and that has allowed you to earn all of the physical things around you: a comfortable home, a nice car, a good job. See it all, feel it, appreciate it …. and then close your eyes, slightly lift your head, and from the bottom of your heart, say, “Thank you.”

You’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel! Living with a sense of gratitude makes you, like the Buddhist monk I mentioned, appreciate life that much more.

Hiram

The Balanced Health Guy

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