Being Grateful

I'm a bit delayed on this post, but with the holiday season upon us, it makes me think about all I am thankful for. It seems these days that people get so caught up with things that they forget to take a step back and see the good in what they can only see as negative. Sometimes I find myself listening to other people's conversations and they all sound so similar, some of the most common complaints I hear:

1. Ugh, I have to go workout today when I'd rather just lay on the couch
2. I hate my job
3. I wish I was thinner
4. I wish I could change how I look without working for it
5. I wish I didn't have to get up so early
6. Life would be better if I wasn't so busy all the time

These are just a few examples of the endless amount of complaints people have. Now don't get me wrong, I myself am very guilty of complaining about some of this stuff as well. It's so easy to let a little complaint slip here and there and before you know it you find yourself wishing you could change every little thing about your life. The last couple weeks I've been thinking long and hard about my life. I am unbelievably blessed; I have a great life, I have two good jobs that allow me to pay the bills comfortably and still leave me enough to have a savings. I have a wonderful family who would do anything for me; the positives in my life are endless! Sure, I still have complaints, but why not find the good and be thankful even for the things I want to change?

1. I'm thankful that I can go workout because it means I'm healthy, strong and one day closer to achieving my goals
2. I'm thankful for my jobs, because it means I'm not only making money to support myself and my future, but it means I'm meeting new people and learning new things (and helping people get in shape to improve their lives at one of my jobs!)
3. I'm thankful that my thighs are a little bit thick, because that means I have strong, powerful legs that allow me to lift heavy weights and take me where I need to go
4. I'm thankful that I get up early every day, because there are so many people in the world suffering from an illness that won't be able to get out of bed today
5. I'm thankful for all the hard work I put into my workouts each day because that means God gave me a good work ethic
6. I'm thankful for the bills I pay because that means I have a roof over my head, electricity for heat and light, and a reliable vehicle to get me from point A to point B.
7. I'm thankful for the struggles I've encountered because it means God has made me a strong enough person to always see the bright side of life

I could go on and on with what I am thankful for. Life is beautiful. We all need to appreciate the greatness of the little things each day brings us. Sure, there might be things you want to change, but just remember; the grass isn't always greener on the other side. There is always good; never over look it :)