Many people find themselves in a state of discontentment. They get frustrated quickly and want more or something different. They find themselves unhappy with their expectations or situation.
We tend to hold an attitude of entitlement. At the root of our unhappiness is a lack of gratitude. A lack of love.
In the Rule of St Benedict, we are reminded to keep death daily before our eyes.
Imagine what life would be like if we appreciated the little things. The sun, the moon, the grass, our breathe, the oatmeal at breakfast. How the orange juice was made so we could have it at our table.
If we stop to appreciate. If we stop to love. If we stop to smell the roses. Imagine what our lives would look and feel like.
I recently was asked to read a letter written by a lady who was released from her past job due to cutbacks. In her letter,she did not feel that her job was the one to be lost. She felt entitled to have her job as she had longevity on her side.
She expected this was going to be the job she had until she retired. She had earned it through her dedicated service. Moreover, she thought she had done a good job. She was a better employee than the one the boss kept.
Does this sound familiar? Do you think you are the better employee? Do you feel entitled to have your job?
If you said yes to this last question, you might want to take inventory of your priorities. I suggest you take a contemplative approach to all the blessings in your life.
This employee is completely miserable and her life is reflective of this. She has not dealt with the fact her job is in the hands of another employee. Hence, she is suffering at her own hands. Her own sense of entitlement.
Take a look at your life and see how you can feel more love, feel more gratitude. Bless your food, your home, your family, your coworkers, your friends, your neighbors.
Examine where in your life you are feeling entitlement.
Today in your heart, send love to 7 strangers and bless them. Take inventory of how you feel. Then do it again with 7 more people and feel the love grow in your heart!