Are you grateful for what you have?

In a world where the boundaries between need and want are blurred, it can be hard to stay grateful for what you have. Recently the importance of being thankful struck home in a major way.

Typically, instead of being grateful for what we have, many of us keep wishing for more.

Some of us are lost in a world of inconsequential need; too focused on that new car, fancy television or latest mobile phone. Others crave recognition that really isn’t significant in the greater scheme of things, as recognition isn’t the same as respect.

When you’re flying solo, everything is often magnified. The wins are so much more wonderful when we know that we’ve achieved them on our own, and conversely, the losses hit that little bit harder when we aren’t surrounded by a whole lot of colleagues with which to share the pain.

Therefore, shouldn’t we sometimes take stock of our situation and decide whether or not to appreciate what we already have? After all, isn’t a balanced life enjoyed under the umbrella of freedom what being a soloist is really all about ?

It’s not always as simple as it sounds and unfortunately, it sometimes takes a real jolt to remind us.

Very recently, I received a big jolt – one that I won’t easily, if ever, forget.

The day I had my 49th birthday, I was feeling pretty uncomfortable that my birthdays are starting to come around a little too quickly.

The next afternoon, I discovered that one of our community’s finest people had innocently lost his life in a road accident at the age of only 44, leaving behind a wife and two teenaged children. Although he was a quiet and unassuming person of no financial or political standing, almost 1,000 people attended his funeral, and there were many who didn’t go because they couldn’t face the experience of saying farewell to such a fine person, lost so young and unfairly.

It would be an understatement to say that, all of a sudden, I realised that every new birthday is, in fact, a gift to be received most gratefully.

If I didn’t fully appreciate what I have before, I sure do now – what you might call a complete reframing of my perspective of that most precious of all things – life !

Of course, we all have our stories to tell, and the real point of this article is, what are we going to do about it ?

Given that when we’re Flying Solo, its our attitude that determines our altitude, I suggest we should all enjoy the gift of each new day and appreciate the value of what we already have !

Dedicated to Andrew Wearne.

Grant Hyman is a specialist Sales Consultant whose company, Sales Central, is dedicated to maximising the sales successes of clients by assisting in the areas of Training, Recruiting, Automation, Motivational Speaking and Coaching.

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I agree that each birthday should be treasured ... I recently turned 50. I initially found it a very difficult time despite so many family and friends helping me celebrate it. I am now thankful that I could have 45 years ahead of me and that I am healthy and have a lovely family. My extended family is the reason I work solo so I can integrate my work and life balance as I need to. Chronological age isn't important - it's how we think and act (not react) that is important. Karen from Springwood NSW
Hi Karen - I'm really happy that you appreciate the gift of every new day and are looking forward to your next 50 or more (why stop at 45?). I love seeing old people on Harley Davidsons spending their children's inheritance, and am always deeply saddened to hear people at the end of their lives talk about what they wished they had done. Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Hi Grant, what a fantastic article. I often want to give myself a shake at thinking about material things all the time - especially at this time of year. I try hard to help my children understand this, but I think that's a lesson to be learned later in life. I'm about to turn 40 next week and, for a woman I think this is a more thought provoking time as, if you let it, it could signal the end of something rather than the beginning of the next phase. I've taken the latter approach planning all manner of success for next year! On occasion recently I started to worry if I didn't have some 'real work' to keep me busy every minute of the day. Then I realised that this just gave me an opportunity to catch up on some of the other things that get left by the wayside when I am busy. And actually, since coming to this realisation I haven't had a chance to catch up on those things at all! There will come a time though! Thanks again for bringing us some perspective Grant. Karen Morris from Sydney | Read my articles
Thanks Karen for your comments - Happy Birthday for next week ! I've just been to an annual swimmers' Xmas lunch - 1 of the attendees is 84 and swims 2kms each weekday - another is in his 90's and still swims (in the 50 metre pool), so please think of 40 as just the start of your wonderful future ! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Karen Morris - happy birthday. It's now 2 months since I turned 50. That was my turning point, not 40. I was a late starter ... which is a good thing because isn't 50 the new 30 now? (smile)
Karen C from Springwood NSW
On an email today was this quote:
After suffering heart failure and undergoing major surgery, Jerry Lewis said, "Every morning I know that I am a winner, for I have survived! Everybody who wakes up in the morning is a success!" Karen C from Springwood NSW

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