“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.”
Recently, I was playing tennis with a friend. It was not going well. I was losing. And not just normal losing, but the type of losing where you hope no one else is watching.
As is typically the case when I don’t win, I was getting frustrated. And when I get frustrated, I look for someone or something to blame (I know, it’s a character flaw). I tried blaming the racket, the balls, staying up too late, and the weather.
Unfortunately, the racket was the same as always, the balls were brand new, the night before ended at 10pm, and the weather was 75 and sunny (thanks Phoenix).
While I was looking for something else to blame (shoes, maybe), a loud roar suddenly emerged from the skies above. I looked up to notice a helicopter overhead. It was big. It was close. And it was loud.
As the helicopter flew directly over me, a passing thought entered my otherwise frustrated mind, “Wow, look at that big helicopter. That machine is one amazing accomplishment.”
Immediately, my mind found permission to stop thinking about tennis. And I began to look around at my surroundings—even if for only a moment.
I noticed a beautiful bird perched high above in a palm tree. I noticed flowers blooming along the fence and green grass all around. I felt a drop of sweat on my eyebrow, warm sunshine on my face, and just enough breeze to make it all perfect.
I looked down and noticed the healthy body allowing me to play. I felt comfortable shoes on my feet and a lightweight racquet in my hand. I looked across the net and saw a good friend, a valued relationship, and someone I would trust through any trial. Amazing things all around me.
The frustration and negativity in my mind began to melt away.
And I was reminded that life often works like this.
Granted, one bad tennis match is a trivial problem to overcome. Some of us are struggling through far more significant problems: illness, loneliness, failure, addiction, or loss (and that’s just a short list).
But sometimes, all we need to change our outlook and attitude is to just look around—to take our eyes off our problems, our frustrations, and our struggle. And instead, notice something amazing.
When we do, even for just a moment, we begin to notice we are surrounded by countless blessings every single day:
- Beautiful flowers & singing birds
- Blue skies & countless stars
- Warm shelter & dry clothing
- Food to eat & coffee to drink
- Amazing art & passionate music
- Trusted friends & loving families
- Laughter & hope & faith
- Or something as beautiful as your next breath
If you feel like you can’t go on, look around and notice the wonder of the world around you. Because when you do, you give your mind permission to stop dwelling on your problems and start finding beauty instead.
Oh sure, stopping to look around probably won’t fix your problem. But it may just give you the strength and hope you need to survive another day.
Related: On Gratitude | The Most Important Two Minutes of Your Life
Chris Peek says
Excellent post. This is why I take regular time out to get outdoors and go hiking. Creation has a way of helping us put our problems into perspective.
joshua becker says
Agreed.
Rachel says
This post actually made my normal frustration even worse. 75 degrees? When I am looking at high of 34 and 5-10″ of snow today. Thank you South Dakota…. But the point is the same either way, isn’t it? God has blessed in unspeakable ways and given minimalism to me as a catalyst to thankfulness. Keep up the good work and say hi to D and J next time you talk to them.
joshua becker says
Where are you in South Dakota? I visit home in Aberdeen at least twice/year. Bummer about your long winter. Know that spring is sprouting—it always does. By D and J you must mean my aunt and uncle. If so, I’ll definitely mention to them that they got a shout-out on the website.
Roxie Defant says
Beautiful! I do this on a daily basis & its funny how many people don’t or find it irritating! I relish in the small things: new socks, the elevator being there as soon as I press the button, sunshine pouring through my windows, finding a toonie in my pocket that I forgot about, or sharing a kind word with a stranger that I’ll never see again :) it’s all about perspective!
joshua becker says
Toonie! That’s awesome. I haven’t heard that word since moving from Vermont 2+ years ago. Even the mention of it brings a smile to my face. Thank you.
The Silver Bunny says
Isn’t it incredible that though we know all this, we need to be reminded of it again and again ? Thanks for the vivid picture; suddenly, I found myself in sunny Phoenix instead of in very grey Paris. But glad to be alive anyway ….
joshua becker says
Just remember, people travel much farther to see Paris than they do to see Phoenix.
BrownVagabonder says
Thank you for this reminder that life is beautiful. I feel that a lot of my negativity would be solved if I started paying attention to all that I have and being grateful. It involves as you said looking around at all that you have in abundance and so much more to come.
joshua becker says
You’ve spread nothing but good cheer and encouragement here for so long. Thank you for it.
Rachel says
What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing a love & appreciation for the simple things in life – the things that are in plain sight every single day, but we often do not even notice them. I have found life to be so much more fulfilling when I take time to search for beauty, instead of just letting my emotions be swayed by the situation that I am in.
joshua becker says
The sweetest joys are often the simplest.
Helena says
So glad to find this post in my inbox this morning. I am *that* kind of person who is always looking for the bright side and for some reason I can yet identify, I’ve been finding myself looking the “other way” more than I wished. Time to reset! Thank you for your message and beautiful blog.
joshua becker says
You are welcome Helena. Find joy and spread joy.
Keith says
I “strongly” suggest to those who are in the midst of loss and trial to find a way and a place to volunteer at least once a week.
The physical act of “looking up and out” + the giving of time and talents can have the spiritual result of transforming your mind, heart and soul.
joshua becker says
That’s golden and so very true, regardless of our stage in life.
aly c. says
Yes! When I am struggling I am least likely to want to volunteer, but it never fails to lift the fog and bring hope.
Dotti says
Thank you for reminding us of how amazing this universe we live in is. How focusing on the negative is counterproductive. I am always pleasantly surprised how ones attitude can be adjusted by a single comment, in either direction. It is a choice we make to follow the best and to give the best. Remember, love means nothing in tennis, but in everything else, it means everything. Pass it on.
Dotti
joshua becker says
Thanks Dotti. You summed up my thoughts quite well—wherever we choose to invest your thoughts dictates the people we become.
Jennifer says
Your post reminded me of Ann Voskamp…her book “one thousand gifts” focuses on the same…counting the gifts b I g and small around us changes our attitudes immediately! I ♥ tennis and winning also…but there are more important things.
Keith says
I agree and highly recommend Ann, her blog and her books!
Brian Gardner says
That makes two of us, Keith.
joshua becker says
Make that three.
NikkiZ says
Gratitude shifts perspective. It has changed my life and my ability to move forward through hard times. I pause by habit now and note the goodness in my life. I have taught my children to make lists in not only trying times, but ordinary times as well.
Gratitude evaporites the victim mode and humbles. Thank you Joshua for a great post.