Something I have noticed in life is that nothing can turn a bad attitude or a feeling of want around like gratitude.
Because you know what? There will always be something going wrong, something we want, something we think we need, or something we wish we had. In fact, if one focuses on what’s MISSING there is really no end to the things to be upset about. No matter how much you have, it will never be enough.
Gratitude is just the opposite. There is always something to be thankful for, and often once I start listing my things off they quickly outnumber the “missing” stuff.
Another bonus, when I focus on what I am thankful for it’s almost impossible to feel unhappy or upset, either. It switches the glass from half empty to half full, or even runneth over, just like that.
In this season of “gimmie gimmie” gratitude is like a breath of fresh air. I don’t need a Lexus with a red bow on top to make Christmas complete (I actually would not even want that, but the commercials every year make me wonder, does anyone actually do that, and if so do they give the car along with four years of car payments, or how would that work?)
I have always worked to instill gratitude in my kids, as well. And a few years ago during a particularly lean holiday season, I was so proud of them when they happily embraced the few gifts I was able to afford that year, never even noticing or asking for more.
One thing our holidays were rich with that year (and ever since) were experiences — decorating the tree, making gingerbread houses, enjoying candy canes, looking at holiday light displays, telling holiday tales, watching Christmas movies, making crafts to give as gifts, baking cookies, sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows, cuddling up in blankets on the couch, admiring the tree. These things don’t cost much but will be remembered long after the latest “it” toy loses its luster.
In the end material things are just that — things. But relationships, family, friends, health, community, health, Grace, memories and all those other things no amount of money can buy are the true treasures in life. Cherish them, and may your heart be filled to bursting!
Merry Christmas!
Notes From a Red Pill Girl 
There is a new post at Spawny’s
https://spawnyspace.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/petty-women/
One might perhaps “want more”, and even strive for more if it is really desired. But one should also be content with what one has
Hot chocolate with marshmallows? Candy canes? Cookies?
You are going to have every bear in the state wanting to visit.
That’s a good point Farm Boy. It’s not “wrong” to work to improve one’s lot in life, in fact it is admirable, but when I see people who lack for very little pouting over some imagined lack, that’s when it goes too far.
Hillary comes to mind, for example.
Lol, anytime bear!
Hillary comes to mind, for example.
I would think that Hillary has more issues than that.
True enough, but she just seems so unhappy — like she’s been cheated. She has millions and millions. Maybe money isn’t enough, she wants power, too? I dunno…
I guess I don’t get the power thing. It has zero appeal to me. Too much work! Lol.
And true, she is an extreme example…
I know several women in real life who really don’t have it so bad, but yet they are consumed with want and what they lack. Completely missing all they have in the process!
Nice Tony Robbins like post. Merry X-Mas!
Who Tony Robbins he is?
I read in the manosphere and a theme that is common is that women like to be unhappy. They would rather whine and complain than rejoice and be thankful. That no matter what you give them they still want more.
My first reaction was BS to you. But then I thought about it and conversations that I have with other women often times more than not end up a bitchfest with each of them trying to out do the other about how bad they have life.
It is very hard not to get drawn into that frame of mind when you are surrounded by it. Nothing is more contagious than bad attitude.
Now I could leave it at that but the truth is I have noticed in the last decade or two that this attitude is starting to become more common with men also. Now it seems to be a certain type man that exhibits this and hopefully it will be contained to that type.
Yes, I have tried to turn the conversations to something brighter but I really hate being called *little miss sunshine*. So I usually just remove myself from the conversation.
Maybe make hot chocolate with marshmallows? It’s hard to be grumpy while sipping that.
Bear likes hot chocolate he does
AGreed, Linny. I have often noticed when gals get together they can get into a “complain fest” Maybe it is some sort of bonding thing, but it tends to drag everyone down.
Agreed both women and men can benefit from gratitude.
As for how the guys experience this, I can’t say, not being a guy., Maybe a male commenter could?
The marshmallows really add to the “cheer” factor! A must have!
When I was a cub, We only got hot chocolate with marshmallows on Christmas Eve and there were no second cups. *sniff*
Boo to that Fuzzie! Luckily now you can have all you want! I hope you go get some today and have at least two cups EVERY DAY!
Two cups? Every day? I will become very spoiled and content. *smile*
Merry Christmas Red Pill Girl. Thanks for all you do.
The holiday experiences you mention often also cost something. But I don’t remember a single toy I ever got for Christmas. I do remember the time we spent together as a family. The things we did. That matters. I’m getting kitchen stuff this year though yayyy 🙂 🙂 🙂
One of the kids is getting a big box of experiments. All dollar store knicknakcs and printed instruction – cheapish but awesome!
We usually received one small toy type of thing maybe some paper dolls or a puzzle any other gifts were clothes. Our stocking (one of my dad’s socks) was the prize. It had some nuts and a few candies and an apple and best of all an orange. That might be the only orange we got all year.
I still serve the same Christmas dinner as we had back then minus the jello salad. And I love it as much now as I did back then.
Oh and something we do. We have an advent calendar filled with cards that say things like “today we will bake cookies” or “today you get special Christmas coloring pages” and so on. Kids looooove it.
When my children were at home I used to put a piece of chocolate in a little hand made envelope and put a number 1-24 on the outside. Each child had their own bowlful and had to find the envelope with the right day’s date number on it. It was a great way to teach numbers when they were very young.
I saw something similar done with Hershey Kisses and the number was put on the bottom.
HHW your idea of activities sounds better than giving out candy.
My Dad had a fondness for wind up toys. It became a tradition in our family to put them all in a big box and have him open it every year. We all stopped to watch Dad open the present with the toys from “Christmas Past”. Then, we all got to play with them.
@ Linny I got two advent calendars for the girls this year, similar idea — a piece of chocolate each day. It has really helped my younger one learn numbers above 10 and has encouraged patience in both of them!
@ Linny, I know families today who spend $500 plus per child! And the sad thing is they do it on credit, end up spending the rest of the year paying that off. I don’t get why but they feel the need to have this BIG HUGE gift-based Christmas. Sad, really.
Wonder what a “wind-up Hillary” be like I do
Yoda I thought she was wound up.
Sorry guys if I worried you, I do not have bad house guests personally 🙂
It’s a cautionary tale, of sorts… taking a bigger idea and bringing it down to a personal level to see it in maybe a different and new way.
Oooh Fuzziewuzziebear, I just love the idea of regifting every year! Special Christmas-only toys or games. Thát’s creating memories. Brilliant 🙂 Going to try that from next year on!
A wonderful way to think during Christmas. Giving meaningful gifts and seeing the delight on the faces of my loved ones are the best gift!
Amen sister. I’ve been trying to be more consciously grateful… its a struggle thou!
@chunaoyolo, trust me I understand. I have to snap myself out of “stinkin thinkin” too. Every time counting my blessings is what re-centers me! 🙂
Interesting… do you set time aside to meditate? Or do you try to do this live each day?
I do it live throughout the day. I have tried meditation, but I am rather antsy, so it is hard for me to be still. 🙂
LOL… on your comment about being antsy. 🙂