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For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, fun and loads of laughter with family and friends. We make wonderful memories breaking bread and giving gifts. However, this holiday season may be a little different for some—unable to travel to family, purchase gifts or host an annual party due to loss of income. The recession is still alive and altering the lives of more people every day. In a culture of extravagance and overindulgence, we have placed too much importance on material possessions and not enough on the intangible jewels of life. During hard times, we have to focus on the small things that make us smile.
Don’t let your circumstances and uncontrollable misfortunes get you down. There are plenty of reasons to be happy and thankful:
1. You are alive.
Good health or not, you are still here to see today.
2. Skype is free.
Those who live away from family can still join everyone for the fun via computer. And, if you don’t have internet service, places like McDonald’s (that never close) have free Wi-Fi.
3. Smiles from strangers.
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Nothing lifts spirits like a smile. The more you smile at people, the more they will smile back at you. Happiness is contagious. A simple smile can make someone’s day.
4. Uncontrolled laughter.
Laughter warms the heart and it comes free of charge.
5. You have clothing.
It may not be what you want, but at least you’re not running around naked.
6. A sound mind.
If you are reading his, chances are your mind is working pretty well. A sound mind is a terrible thing to lose. Just ask someone without one.
7. Living in a peaceful country.
Sure, the economy sucks, but we don’t have to worry about getting shot by soldiers or vigilantes daily. Having a low income is not the worst problem in the world.
8. The innocence of young children.
It’s always so precious and uplifting.
9. Access to good food.
Homeless Americans eat better food than most people in third world countries.
10. The sound of music.
Music evokes emotions and, no matter how bad your life stinks, hearing holiday Mariah Carey melodies and Boyz II Men harmonizing makes you feel (at the least) a little happy.
11. Giving to others.
Even if it’s just a flower picked from the neighbor’s yard, the thoughtfulness behind giving is worth a thousand kind words.
12. Individual talents.
All of us have something unique and special to offer.
13. Open doors and opportunity.
For every door that shuts, another one opens. Hard to believe sometimes, but it’s true. We just have to be open to the unknown.
14. Clean drinking water.
Imagine not having something as basic as drinking water. For some people, the threat of dehydration and death from contamination is a reality.
15. A good book.
Reading can be whatever you make of it. Depending on what you read, you can walk away empowered, inspired or more knowledgeable about a particular subject.
