Photo Credits : Lalita Raman
This is one of the Human Relation Principles of Dale Carnegie. The simplicity of this statement is complex in itself. It is one of the most difficult to practice especially when things go wrong, you are experiencing a down and out day, and many moments in your life is filled with chaos, suffering and adversities.
Take for instance, when a customer service doesn’t take action and keeps saying sorry for the inconvenience caused and yet doesn’t show any signs of resolving the issue, most of our reaction is to criticize and get angry. There are many such similar events in our life when our patience is tested and we either complain or criticize.
If you observe, we criticize, condemn or complain not only about others but also ourselves.
How many times have you chided yourself ?
It is good to vent out, to seek improvement but we need to be thankful in life.
Three years back, after finishing my boot camp, whilst getting down some stairs on my way home, I fell down and fractured my ankle. I realized, how much I missed walking normally, how much I used and needed my ankle. I have had many injuries and accidents and each of these have taught me the importance of that part of the body that I have injured. Isn’t many aspects of our life, our relationships and the moments in our life similar? Do you take time to appreciate something when you have it or Do you realize the importance of something or someone after you don’t have it?
Life’s path is uncertain and yes we make choices and take chances but no matter how much we plan, not everything goes as per our plans. One way to reduce complaining is not to take life and the little things in life for granted
1. Thank you, please, sorry from the heart are three simple yet effective words. Make a difference by using these words as often as possible in a meaningful way. This applies in real life and on interactions in Social Media.
2. Take count of what you have in life and appreciate that. Your health, your job, your family, your house and everything life has offered. Remember, there are many people who don’t have many things that you have.
3. If challenges are what life has thrown at you, learn to see the positivity in those challenges and derive strength brick by brick.
4. If some relationships have turned sour, be thankful of the lessons that it has taught you. Don’t take your relationships with family or friends for granted. No one is perfect. Communicate, clarify, listen, empathize, apologize because without these no relationship can last.
5. In every pain, sudden loss, and mishaps that occur as difficult as it may be, learn to appreciate the lessons it has taught you.
Be thankful of every moment and every breath you take. Life lived in negativity, sarcasm and criticism is one of vain and a vicious circle. You can go to the spa, the mountains, the chalets and yet you will not find inner peace. Live in positivity, vent out, let go and make the journey of life your friend and find inner peace.
Extract from Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People “Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism, and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. “To know is to forgive all”.
As Dr Johnson said : “God himself, sir does not propose to judge man until the end of his days.” Why should you and I ?
Learn to be kind to yourself and others. Live life in compassion and gratitude.
Very true.
We do take things for granted and realise the value of it only when it is lost .then it is too late.
We are judges of other’s mistakes and lawyers of our own mistakes.
Ma
Agree. In every aspect of life many of us forget to appreciate what we have. We strive to achieve our dreams and when we achieve it, we forget to appreciate what we have because we are busy yearning for more. On Social media many forget who they have and are after new followers and fans.
Life is much better at the gratitude end .
Thank you 🙂
Lalita
This is a fantastic post. One we all need to read and remember. At times when I am overwhelmed with exhaustion or feeling stressed I certain my need to remember how fortunate I am to have the things I do, fore many don’t.
Thank you my friend for all you do.
Tom
Thank you Tom. When things are stressful and going not as per our expectations, it is the most difficult to be grateful and appreciative yet as you point out one we must remind ourselves to do so.
Thank you Tom. I appreciate your comment.
Loved your thoughts in this post, Lalita!
I try each day to be positive and to be grateful. It can be the little things like a sunny day or a call from a friend.
Great reminder!
Well said Terri. Yes, it is the little things that make a big difference. Thank you as always for your beautiful thoughts and expressions.