Title Deed

Yesterday I caught myself being ungrateful. Not the usual ungrateful type moment where you think it would be nice to have a new bike, go on more holidays or to have a new wardrobe of clothes or even want to go out for a meal as often as you see others do. The moment I had yesterday was a real spoilt-brat occasion and I felt quite embarrassed afterwards.

I have recently heard and read a couple of messages about 'entitlement'. I don't think that it is any coincidence, but rather a message that is something I should be paying attention to. I have probably reached that age where I have sufficient history to look back on and take stock of where I have been. Doing so, can be quite uplifting in seeing what trials have been overcome and the progress that has been made. The danger comes in when an attitude of 'entitlement' starts to develop. "Because of all I have been through, surely I deserve to have more? I have earned a title deed!"

That is not how life works though! You cannot expect to receive a proportionate share of blessings as reward for your adversity. If that were the case, there would be so many more entitled people ahead of us (me) anyway.

I also think the comparison with the Joneses is such a dangerous game. There will always be
those that 'have' and those that don't. Some may have toiled and managed to get where they are through pure hard work and perseverance while others have had everything handed to them. If you don't fall into the latter category, guess what, you are going to have to be one of those that really work to get what you want. It's not a case of fairness, it's a case of reality, accepting your lot and making the best of your situation. Forget the Joneses, remember who you are.

Another dangerous scenario is even if you aren't comparing to the Joneses but comparing against yourself, and you appear to be regressing rather than advancing. "Why is this happening to me? I don't deserve this."
I was reminded about how fruit trees and roses are pruned at regular intervals to remove the dead wood as well as some seemingly good branches. What seems like down-sizing actually stimulates more growth and production or more fruit and flowers. So, although the "why" may not be evident at the moment of pruning, be assured that you can grow and be even more productive than before.

I have said it before, but I'll repeat it for my own sake,  take stock of where you are, appreciate and celebrate what is important around you. Put more emphasis on family and friends than "stuff", let the Joneses worry about that...