This might sound like a bit of a lecture, but I know I definitely need reminding of this from time to time…. So I thought I’d share this reminder in case you need it too!…. Living here in Australia we are so privileged, our basic needs are well & truely met & we generally have more than enough of everything! It is easy to take what we have in our life for granted (especially the simple every day things) & constantly desire more. It usually isn’t until something is taken away from us that we actually really fully appreciate it.
This can become very apparent if you’ve ever traveled to a third world country. In most places in Australia we drink water straight from our taps whenever we wish, but if you do this in a place like India or Thailand, you may end up spending the next few days very close to a toilet!
We also expect to be able to have a nice hot shower before going to bed, but many places I’ve traveled to (backpacker style), a cold shower was all that was on offer… brrr definitely not enticing after spending a day bike riding in 5 degree weather conditions! Or if you’ve ever woken up with a stiff back after spending a night in the great outdoors sleeping on a thin camping mattress…. Your bed becomes the best place in the world!! :)
I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my life to travel and experience other parts of the world. To discover how other people live, to meet people from different cultures & to learn more about myself. One of the greatest lessons I've learnt from observing & spending time with people in places such as; India, Cambodia, Africa & South America, is that in comparison, on a material level have very little, but seem so happy & content. Common values they seemed to share are; strong connections & support from family & friends, a deep connection to a Faith/Spirituality, & gratitude for the seemingly small things.
In this section I would like to share what I am grateful for (both simple & significant) & hopeful in doing so inspires you to start your own Gratitude Collection (journal or scrap book).
"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful". (David Rast)
This can become very apparent if you’ve ever traveled to a third world country. In most places in Australia we drink water straight from our taps whenever we wish, but if you do this in a place like India or Thailand, you may end up spending the next few days very close to a toilet!
We also expect to be able to have a nice hot shower before going to bed, but many places I’ve traveled to (backpacker style), a cold shower was all that was on offer… brrr definitely not enticing after spending a day bike riding in 5 degree weather conditions! Or if you’ve ever woken up with a stiff back after spending a night in the great outdoors sleeping on a thin camping mattress…. Your bed becomes the best place in the world!! :)
I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my life to travel and experience other parts of the world. To discover how other people live, to meet people from different cultures & to learn more about myself. One of the greatest lessons I've learnt from observing & spending time with people in places such as; India, Cambodia, Africa & South America, is that in comparison, on a material level have very little, but seem so happy & content. Common values they seemed to share are; strong connections & support from family & friends, a deep connection to a Faith/Spirituality, & gratitude for the seemingly small things.
In this section I would like to share what I am grateful for (both simple & significant) & hopeful in doing so inspires you to start your own Gratitude Collection (journal or scrap book).
"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful". (David Rast)
