Prevent yourself from taking things for granted in life

[here4yagurlz]

This past weekend was one filled with too many unfortunate and tragic events for myself. A co worker of mine was in an auto accident after possible suffering a mild heart attack. A friend decided he no longer wanted to live after finding the mother of his child with someone else. I cut my forearm pretty badly doing home repair and damaged muscle tissue. Instead of just feeling crappy about everything, I decided to really put things in perspective and noticed how much things in life I really do take for granted.

I have a new found appreciation for what I have and for the nice things around me that I have been blessed with. Because of the unfortunate passing of my friend, I have realized that you never know how far a few kind words for someone may go. I never thought he felt his life was that bad, and maybe having someone there to lift his spirits would have saved him. I now compliment strangers, and am more open with friends so they know I am willing to help with anything, no matter what. So although the things that took place on the weekend were terrible, they have been a big eye opener, and perhaps this little message on a "deals" message board can be one for you as well.

This always puts things into perspective for me. Knowing we shouldn't be unhappy or complaining about the minor flaws in our lives. Because no matter how discouraging you may see it in your mind, there is always, always someone out there in this world in a much more serious situation. Be thankful for what you have in life - your home, your family, your wonderful and safe country, your parents. Their are many many children out there, who do not have a single parent to look up to, to go to for guidance, to be loved by. There are many living on dirt, no electricity, no warmth, no clean water to drink. This just breaks my heart thinking about it.

Feel free to post on here if this has helped you regain appreciation for something in your life, or if there is something that has happened that may help others realize what we take for granted.

Stay positive and that will bring you the most happiness. We only live once, so make the most of it. Be as giving as a person as you can be.

My thoughts... :)

[nfnx]

no real contributions here, but glad one of us can see the light.

[rayesyn]

well said mate.

[tonychau]

That's good you have find your purpose and meaning of life!

I'm a positive thinker. Everything happens for a reason, so I don't deny it.

BTW, would you like to share some of the lines for compliment strangers, so I could motate others.

[Avenger]

That was very true and very well said. It is sad that it takes such negative events ot inspire us to think that way though. I also recently lost a friend, and it has made me see things in a different way, and has also made me realize the importance of "small things". During that time I realized who my good friends were, and who I could depend on. I also received some kind words from individuals whom I did not expect it from, and despite their small and seemingly unimportant significance, it meant a lot to me and has stuck with me.

[fwhc022883]

Reading this certainly reminds me of how much things I do take for granted and how fortunate I really am than somebody who doesn't have anything at all. Thank you for your post.

[here4yagurlz]

Thanks all :)



BTW, would you like to share some of the lines for compliment strangers, so I could motate others.

Well, nothing specifically, but just dont let anything hold you back. I start by saying "hi" to people more often, and I dont neccesarily have to know them. Most say hi back or smile, and notice you taking that initiative, and there are others who give you wierd looks. But frankly, I dont care about that - I know I'm doing something good and thats all that matters.

Like my father has always told me since I was a little kid "dont be afraid to say hi, it never hurts, just cause you dont know them doesnt mean you cant" - which is very true. More people should be doing this more often - I come across too many people daily who just walk around with frowns on their faces.

[here4yagurlz]

made me realize the importance of "small things".

Very much so. Everything from your mother baking you treats, to your best friend giving you a lift when your car breaks down. All these little things, play such a key part in life, but often go unnoticed or under appreciated by some. It's all about attention to detail, and reconizing the value behind them.

And especially with Christmas right around the corner, it gives everyone the oppurtunity to be a more giving person. Makes kids realize, Christmas is just not about the toys and Dad buying what you want...but moreso that its the oppurtunity to spend time with the people who are closest to you - people who influence you the most in your life. That's the only thing I dislike about December, is the over abundance of "what do you want for Christmas" rebuttals. Its not about what you get, but what you can do for others.

[tonychau]

a "thank you" go for along way as well.

I give "thank You" to anyone who help me from opening a door, a bus driver drop you off at your destination, co-workers, and your parents.

I would 'thank you' and give them a big smile.

[keanefan]

A friend decided he no longer wanted to live after finding the mother of his child with someone else.

did he die?


MUSIC always cheers me up.

:) :D :razz: :cheesygri

[UrbanPoet]

This past weekend was one filled with too many unfortunate and tragic events for myself. A co worker of mine was in an auto accident after possible suffering a mild heart attack. A friend decided he no longer wanted to live after finding the mother of his child with someone else. I cut my forearm pretty badly doing home repair and damaged muscle tissue. Instead of just feeling crappy about everything, I decided to really put things in perspective and noticed how much things in life I really do take for granted.

I have a new found appreciation for what I have and for the nice things around me that I have been blessed with. Because of the unfortunate passing of my friend, I have realized that you never know how far a few kind words for someone may go. I never thought he felt his life was that bad, and maybe having someone there to lift his spirits would have saved him. I now compliment strangers, and am more open with friends so they know I am willing to help with anything, no matter what. So although the things that took place on the weekend were terrible, they have been a big eye opener, and perhaps this little message on a "deals" message board can be one for you as well.

This always puts things into perspective for me. Knowing we shouldn't be unhappy or complaining about the minor flaws in our lives. Because no matter how discouraging you may see it in your mind, there is always, always someone out there in this world in a much more serious situation. Be thankful for what you have in life - your home, your family, your wonderful and safe country, your parents. Their are many many children out there, who do not have a single parent to look up to, to go to for guidance, to be loved by. There are many living on dirt, no electricity, no warmth, no clean water to drink. This just breaks my heart thinking about it.

Feel free to post on here if this has helped you regain appreciation for something in your life, or if there is something that has happened that may help others realize what we take for granted.

Stay positive and that will bring you the most happiness. We only live once, so make the most of it. Be as giving as a person as you can be.

My thoughts... :)

damn. that sounds familar.. so you mean the guy found out his son was not really his son? it was some other random kid? how does that happen..
or do u mean he found out that the FATHER of his child was not him?

[Keelie]

damn. that sounds familar.. so you mean the guy found out his son was not really his son? it was some other random kid? how does that happen..
or do u mean he found out that the FATHER of his child was not him?

i took it to mean that the mother of his child was with another man, like now, not when the baby was conceived.

yes, sometimes it takes things like what have happened in your life to make you really think about life, what it means to you, and whats important in it.

[sixer]

Well said and I agree. Way to many people take what they have for granted and more need to be thankful for what they have. We need to be happy every day and be positive.

That being said, christmas is joyous time, that's too materialstic in my opinion.
I know RFD'ers love deals, but hopefully not everyone is materialistic and can appreciate everything in life and know there is more than what's the next hot deal.

[blue_xii]

Well said, most of the time when people think the glass is half empty it's actually 99% full. Love life and love the people around you, don't waste your time on the unimportant things. You never know how much time you get but use up every second of it and be happy.

[Party Princess]

This past weekend was one filled with too many unfortunate and tragic events for myself. A co worker of mine was in an auto accident after possible suffering a mild heart attack. A friend decided he no longer wanted to live after finding the mother of his child with someone else. I cut my forearm pretty badly doing home repair and damaged muscle tissue. Instead of just feeling crappy about everything, I decided to really put things in perspective and noticed how much things in life I really do take for granted.

I have a new found appreciation for what I have and for the nice things around me that I have been blessed with. Because of the unfortunate passing of my friend, I have realized that you never know how far a few kind words for someone may go. I never thought he felt his life was that bad, and maybe having someone there to lift his spirits would have saved him. I now compliment strangers, and am more open with friends so they know I am willing to help with anything, no matter what. So although the things that took place on the weekend were terrible, they have been a big eye opener, and perhaps this little message on a "deals" message board can be one for you as well.

This always puts things into perspective for me. Knowing we shouldn't be unhappy or complaining about the minor flaws in our lives. Because no matter how discouraging you may see it in your mind, there is always, always someone out there in this world in a much more serious situation. Be thankful for what you have in life - your home, your family, your wonderful and safe country, your parents. Their are many many children out there, who do not have a single parent to look up to, to go to for guidance, to be loved by. There are many living on dirt, no electricity, no warmth, no clean water to drink. This just breaks my heart thinking about it.

Feel free to post on here if this has helped you regain appreciation for something in your life, or if there is something that has happened that may help others realize what we take for granted.

Stay positive and that will bring you the most happiness. We only live once, so make the most of it. Be as giving as a person as you can be.

My thoughts... :)

Very well put.

I am sorry for your loss - it is not always easy to deal with but, definetely puts things in perspective.

I have had to deal with alot of losses in my life (unfortunately more than one should have to), with each one I gain the ability to appreciate my life more. Sometimes it is simple things such as a kind word or jesture can go a really long way, without even realizing it. I make a point of doing what I can to help others, even if I do not know them. So long as I am capable, I will continue to do so. I can only hope that others will be the same in extending a courtesy selflessly.

If each person were to do this, even once in a while, the world may just become a better place.

I hope that your arm heals and that your other friend recovers as quickly as possible. Thank-you for you post.

:)

[here4yagurlz]

a "thank you" go for along way as well.

I give "thank You" to anyone who help me from opening a door, a bus driver drop you off at your destination, co-workers, and your parents.

I would 'thank you' and give them a big smile.

Thats so true my friend. You know what I cant stand, is when I hold the door open for strangers, just anywhere and not a simple thanks or smile back. Just the other day in fact, I was about to go through a door when I see about dozen people coming my way so I thought I would be nice and hold the door open for all of them and let them through first. What do you know? Not a single freaking thank you! Not one from one single person! They just walked by like I was their slave! I wasnt impressed to say the least. Normally, I go "youre welcome" and I make sure I say it loud enough so they hear me. But this one wasnt even worth my breathe. How disgusting.

What makes me even more sick, is the people who not only dont say thank you, but they have the courage to feed you a dirty look. Like "uhh what are you doing, get out of my way" type look.

[here4yagurlz]

i took it to mean that the mother of his child was with another man, like now, not when the baby was conceived.
.

yip, he got it :)

[here4yagurlz]

Well said and I agree. Way to many people take what they have for granted and more need to be thankful for what they have. We need to be happy every day and be positive.

That being said, christmas is joyous time, that's too materialstic in my opinion.
I know RFD'ers love deals, but hopefully not everyone is materialistic and can appreciate everything in life and know there is more than what's the next hot deal.

The sad and undeniable part is, Christmas is not what it used to be when I was a little boy. Now, kids just want this, want that. If Mandy doesnt get her Barbie Hot Wheels and if it doesnt come with a spare tire, she'll go cry to mom about it until she gets it. A lot has to do with the parents failing to properly discipline their children when they are really really young. I cant stress this enough (having a 10 month yr old girl myself), that it is never too early to lay down the rules and guidelines with your kids. It will only pay dividends as they get older.

[here4yagurlz]

Well said, most of the time when people think the glass is half empty it's actually 99% full. Love life and love the people around you, don't waste your time on the unimportant things. You never know how much time you get but use up every second of it and be happy.

Like the saying goes "anything is better than nothing."

[here4yagurlz]

Very well put.

I am sorry for your loss - it is not always easy to deal with but, definetely puts things in perspective.

I have had to deal with alot of losses in my life (unfortunately more than one should have to), with each one I gain the ability to appreciate my life more. Sometimes it is simple things such as a kind word or jesture can go a really long way, without even realizing it. I make a point of doing what I can to help others, even if I do not know them. So long as I am capable, I will continue to do so. I can only hope that others will be the same in extending a courtesy selflessly.

If each person were to do this, even once in a while, the world may just become a better place.

I hope that your arm heals and that your other friend recovers as quickly as possible. Thank-you for you post.

:)

Thanks :)

My arm is a lot better, got some more X-rays done today. Healing pretty nicely, I must say. As the saying goes, time heals everything. And that goes on to say about my friend who has passed away. He is in a better place right now. A place that many people claim, that you reach a level of peace that not many are able to reach in real life.

[Siefer999]

Thats so true my friend. You know what I cant stand, is when I hold the door open for strangers, just anywhere and not a simple thanks or smile back. Just the other day in fact, I was about to go through a door when I see about dozen people coming my way so I thought I would be nice and hold the door open for all of them and let them through first. What do you know? Not a single freaking thank you! Not one from one single person! They just walked by like I was their slave! I wasnt impressed to say the least. Normally, I go "youre welcome" and I make sure I say it loud enough so they hear me. But this one wasnt even worth my breathe. How disgusting.

What makes me even more sick, is the people who not only dont say thank you, but they have the courage to feed you a dirty look. Like "uhh what are you doing, get out of my way" type look.

i know what you mean about the door thing... it happens to me every day...
i take a momment to wait and hold the door for the person/persons behind me and most of the time, he/she/they look at me as if theyre doing me a favour! i think it might be a toronto (dont get offended toronto) thing... in vancouver and montreal most of the time people always give a "thank you" or "thanks" when ever i travel there.

[here4yagurlz]

i know what you mean about the door thing... it happens to me every day...
i take a momment to wait and hold the door for the person/persons behind me and most of the time, he/she/they look at me as if theyre doing me a favour! i think it might be a toronto (dont get offended toronto) thing... in vancouver and montreal most of the time people always give a "thank you" or "thanks" when ever i travel there.

Ya I know what you mean. People who frown at you for you doing them a favour, its like "I can open the door for myself thank you" Gimme a break. :evil:

I always say thank you, and I make sure they hear me. Whats even worse is during lunch rush when the building walkways are packed like a zoo. The flow is steady, people holding the door for the person behnd them etc. And then you get this one person who opens the door just for themself, just enough for themself to get through. LOL. :confused:

[here4yagurlz]

Haha, now that this is on my mind and it's totally relevant to this topic, here is a little funny incident that happened to me this afternoon.

So I'm heading out of my bro in laws office this afternoon at around 4:30pm (rush hour), get in the elevator and I must have been dreaming but I accidentally got into one that was going up. I was the only one in there, and the first floor it stopped at, were these two guys getting on. But the thing is, I didn't notice them at all, since I was standing on the right side of the elevator right in front of the button panel, and they were coming from my right. I waited about a good 7 seconds (and most elevators dont even wait that long) before I hit the "close door" button, and I didn't notice anything, couldnt hear any noise as if anyone was standing there, no shadow. So as the doors were starting to close, these two guys came out of nowhere unexpectedly and the doors happened to hit them (but lightly, wasnt anything tragic). I obviously hit the open door button once I saw them trying to get in. The first dude, all of a sudden just freaks out on me and goes bizurk!

And during this lecture, Im just watching the tv in the elevator - well those screens that keep you entertained lol.

HIM: Thanks for keeping the door open! *sarcastic but upset voice*
ME: Sorry I didnt notice anyone out there. *calm voice*
HIM: Well, usually doors open for a reason.
ME: Just relax, it was an accident.
HIM: Well next time, dont be such a jackass about it.
ME: *quick laugh* Ya ok buddy, whatever.
HIM: You should be holding doors open for people, instead of closing them on them!
ME: Yes, thank you for assuming that I dont.
HIM: Well, hell you just closed one on me, what the **** was that sh1T?
ME: *just humming away* By this time, I just wanted to clock this doofus, but frankly not worth my time.

By this time, there are about 8 people in the elevator, and one lady out of nowhere goes to the dude "Just shudup will ya" :lol:

[Siefer999]

Ya I know what you mean. People who frown at you for you doing them a favour, its like "I can open the door for myself thank you" Gimme a break. :evil:

I always say thank you, and I make sure they hear me. Whats even worse is during lunch rush when the building walkways are packed like a zoo. The flow is steady, people holding the door for the person behnd them etc. And then you get this one person who opens the door just for themself, just enough for themself to get through. LOL. :confused:

I know those ppl as well, I dont want to seem like an ass but sometimes when im fed up with idiots who only care for themselves, i will specifically watch to see if the next person extends their arm to hold the door (its different if their hands are full) and if they dont, i will just continue walking causing the door, in some cases, to hit them quite hard since some doors actually have some pretty heavy resistence. I wont lie, it brings a smile to my face :) If your not going to hold the door for the next person, at least hold it for yourself :lol:

[here4yagurlz]

I know those ppl as well, I dont want to seem like an ass but sometimes when im fed up with idiots who only care for themselves, i will specifically watch to see if the next person extends their arm to hold the door (its different if their hands are full) and if they dont, i will just continue walking causing the door, in some cases, to hit them quite hard since some doors actually have some pretty heavy resistence. I wont lie, it brings a smile to my face :) If your not going to hold the door for the next person, at least hold it for yourself :lol:

Oh thats so true. I think that example is just as bad as people who dont offer to open doors for ladies with their kids in strollers. Or an elderly person with a cane.

Even when my hands are full carrying stuff, I use my foot to hold the door open or at least tap it - since I do, do this to open the door for myself as well when my hands are all tied up. You definitely dont see that often, thats forsure. A person using his foot to hold the door open when hes carrying stuff, now that is going out of your way. :)

[keanefan]

Honestly, there is NO NEED to hold the door open for people. Some people don't like this favor.

And you are a fool to hold the door open for a dozen people. You become the doorman.

If you see someone holding a child, bags, big box, cart, stroller, dog, wheelchair, crutches, etc- then yes, hold the door open for them. Otherwise, most people with free hands can open the door themselves.

[keanefan]

Thanks :)

As the saying goes, time heals everything. And that goes on to say about my friend who has passed away. He is in a better place right now. A place that many people claim, that you reach a level of peace that not many are able to reach in real life.

so sad AND DUMB... he committed suicide and left his child fatherless.

[Boss_Scorpius]

Thats so true my friend. You know what I cant stand, is when I hold the door open for strangers, just anywhere and not a simple thanks or smile back. Just the other day in fact, I was about to go through a door when I see about dozen people coming my way so I thought I would be nice and hold the door open for all of them and let them through first. What do you know? Not a single freaking thank you! Not one from one single person! They just walked by like I was their slave! I wasnt impressed to say the least. Normally, I go "youre welcome" and I make sure I say it loud enough so they hear me. But this one wasnt even worth my breathe. How disgusting.


You have learned to not take thing granted in life but you haven't yet learned another important lesson. Your help to other people should be a selfless act. If you're helping people to show off and get a thank you to make you feel better about yourself, you're not doing a selfless act.

You will know you are on the right track when you help people without expecting any acknowledgement from anyone. To understand it better, compare it to giving money to charity. If you are able to do it anonymously that's when it has more meaning than giving money and then going around telling all your friends so they appreciate your efforts.

That's my perspective though.

[here4yagurlz]

Honestly, there is NO NEED to hold the door open for people. Some people don't like this favor.

And you are a fool to hold the door open for a dozen people. You become the doorman.

If you see someone holding a child, bags, big box, cart, stroller, dog, wheelchair, crutches, etc- then yes, hold the door open for them. Otherwise, most people with free hands can open the door themselves.

I never said there was a need for holding the door open, but its out of courtesy. I suppose I should be shot for letting 12 people through first instead of just towering through all of them in a narrow walkway eh? :D

[here4yagurlz]

You have learned to not take thing granted in life but you haven't yet learned another important lesson. Your help to other people should be a selfless act. If you're helping people to show off and get a thank you to make you feel better about yourself, you're not doing a selfless act.

You will know you are on the right track when you help people without expecting any acknowledgement from anyone. To understand it better, compare it to giving money to charity. If you are able to do it anonymously that's when it has more meaning than giving money and then going around telling all your friends so they appreciate your efforts.

That's my perspective though.

I do little things like this because thats how I was brought up. No I'm not looking for a thank you everytime, but its just shows that person that you acknowledge what they did for you. I never expect anything back, but its little things like these that go a long ways in life.

And usually when I donate money or whatever to charities, I keep it to myself. I dont think I know of anyone who goes around and speels about it. :D