At Thanksgiving, To Choose to be Grateful for What I Have, even If…

Thanksgiving in the United States has just passed. As an American, I am used to taking things, innate assets or circumstances for-granted. As difficult or stressful as adult life is, gratitude is vital. To choose to be grateful is in the United States difficult and awkward!

To that end, when I see a disabled or an obviously very ill person, I need to remind myself that my lot could be worse, more stressful. To rely on oxygen, be wheelchair-bound or homeless is much worse than my lot. I need to remind myself, “there I go, but for the graces of the gods”.

I am under-employed despite a diligent strategy to increase and improve on this. I live far below middle class. I have and rely on under-market rate housing; I don’t have to pay $1,500 per month for shelter. Pres. Biden’s affordable connectivity program provides low-cost web access. And years ago, a cousin who adores me like a brother shoved into to pursuing UCare; so I have low-cost access to talk therapy, and medication. Maybe I ought not lament my lot far below middle class?

My tight finances preclude me going to plays or any paid activities. So, to live near and exploit a public library is splendid. I take it for granted. To access Kanopy or borrow DVDs, books, etc from the library to either entertain or edify myself.

I have a college degree, and am what others praise as erudite and articulate and have looks, which they call “model” handsome and silver fox.

To choose to be grateful for what I have is almost un-American. Why? Because we get used to a level of comfort, and whine when that level sinks below a level, which a wince or scowl induces.

A fault is being accustomed to or assuming that the quality of life and comfort will be static! It can lull you into complacency. I guess this is a first-world, or North American conceit? This is why, when extra money comes, I put that toward savings or reducing debt. That is “excitement” of adulthood.

A slim budget deems blunt frugality in my life. My life is less comfy than those of many others. I haven’t had vacation in more than a decade. I have no car. For errands, I often rely on a bicycle.

Given my shallow level of comfort and success I wonder why I commit myself to the seven habits, and a disciplined self.

Years ago, a YouTube personality, and probably a few influential books convinced me that self-discipline, my talents and instincts with language, and my looks would make sterling first impressions. Making myself more worldly without travel (which I cannot afford). These would impress people, opening great doors.

Along with choosing gratitude, maybe I need to remain grateful that I have that, which is easily taken for granted as permanent? I chose to align myself with and follow difficult habits in order to refine myself…