You are Richer than 75% of the World
What are the bright spots in your life? What do you think gets taken for granted? What can we learn from this?
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About the author
I believe in challenging the status quo and thinking differently, constantly. My past has been living in the limits of a societal context, my future lies in following what I believe in, and that middle ground known as present day consists of the surreal purpose of living in the now.
And yet, if you think you aren’t wealthy, healthy, or wise – you aren’t.
I’m not suggesting anyone should settle, but things today are exactly as they should be to prepare us for tomorrow. As much as I aspire to greater than I have right now, I know I must accept the present for what it is more than anything else – my springboard into the future.
That which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.
That which really sucks today will make for a great story tomorrow.
Awesome, awesome comment Brian!
Whenever I speak with people who have done work in 3rd world countries I tend to pick up on a pattern. We (living in the US) do so little with so much, while they do so much with so little. It really doesn’t matter what you have, what matters is what you do with “the present moment”
“That which really sucks today will make for a great story tomorrow.” I’m going to remember this one! Thanks Brian, your comment really added to this post!
Awesome, Chris!
I teach economics to high school seniors. And every year, they are absolutely stunned to see and hear what true poverty is from a global perspective. The amount and degree if illiteracy, malnutrition, disease and poverty out there in much of the world is just mind-boggling.
It sure puts what we have and think we don’t have in perspective, doesn’t it?
This was very well-done, my friend!
It sure does Ken. Having to spend $150 bucks at the mechanic means you are fortunate enough to own a car. And paying bills means you are on the top tier of quality of life. I personally find it difficult to appreciate these things on a day to day because our lives are in the context of other similar circumstances.
Yes, the news spotlights certain stories where we temporarily imagine how challenging it must be to be homeless or in search of food, but then we turn off the TV and move on with our lives. It’s definitely something to keep in mind when faced with upcoming frustrations and challenges. I know I’ve been stressed by the holiday season…seems kind of silly now
Cheers Ken.
Sometimes you need to put everything into perspective like this.
I remember when I was young and thought I knew what poverty was really like. But really, I had no idea. It was only once I started paying attention to the world and seeing how people really lived when I figured it out. Traveling to distant places was especially eye-opening. There really are people out there that have so little.
Thanks for giving everyone something to think about.
I bet you saw some pretty eye-opening things along your travels Steve. And it’s so true, until you actually experience it, actually see it, hear it, smell it. Until then poverty is just a face on the TV screen.
I think what’s also important to keep in mind and something I’m sure you have experienced on your travels is that wealth comes in more forms than silver a gold, and the resilience of those who have little is much more significant than those who have most.
Great post about perspective. We’re lucky. It’s not to say we shouldn’t fight for even better but we need to be thankful for what we have as well!
Yes indeed! I think you said it perfectly Matt, we are lucky and we should keep that in perspective, but also keep on taking actions that will push this world into a more socially just climate!
I love this! I have seen it before and every time I see it, I re-read the entire quote. I am very thankful for the love and people I have in my life. The key is to remember this when things get tough or obstacles get in our way. Thanks for reminding me about the goodness of this life!
SO true Meg. Moving forward I’m going to try and keep this in mind especially for those future frustrations. I sat in the dentists office today taking care of my first cavities! Not only was I not happy about the temporary discomfort, I also wasn’t happy about not having dental and having to pay a bill. Kind of seems trivial once you read through these facts.
Gracias Meg!