We are living in a world where we are taking what we get day by day. Many people are filled with fear, anxiety, and depression. What these people do not realize is that they are fortunate in some way. They can be grateful in some way today. However, many people lost a lot when the economy shut down essentially. You could have had a nice job or plan for 2020, but it all fell through when the virus hit. Today, I want to write about how to appreciate what we have, have, and will have in our life. Though times may be dark at the moment, you have to remain positive and optimistic that the light will shine again.

The steps I will be covering will help you to appreciate more frequently and verify that there is good to be had. These steps should be daily practices in your life to remain wholesome and remain humble. There is no one above or beneath us. We are all equal here, but we often do not see that. We see a homeless person on the street to be beneath us and someone who is driving a Lamborghini above us. Why? What was skewed in our minds to think that we are not equal to another person? What is your mind telling you that you cannot be homeless or you cannot be rich? That is what we have to get rid of to become truly successful. The only person you need and should be competing with is yourself. You should want to be better than you were yesterday and aim to be the best you can be for tomorrow. Below you will find the three sections to work on to develop a mindset filled with gratitude and appreciation.

Section one: Learn to appreciate what we had

Section Two: Learn to appreciate what we have

Section Three: Learn to appreciate what we will have

In Section One, we will have to take a brief look at our past. For some, it might be an ugly path to look at, but for some, it will be an indication of how far you have come. If you look back to see what you had and you see only the bad, then that means you are operating in a negative mindset. You are thinking about all the bad that has befallen you in your life. You might have recently lost your job, or someone you love has passed away, so you are going through the grieving process or just refusing to move on and heal.

If you are in this dark place, then you have to want to get better. You do not have to want to feel this way. If you lose a job, then you have to start to look or figure out a way to pay the bills. Yes, it is challenging, and many people are going through the same thing right now. You have to understand that you are not alone in this fight, but it is personal to you, and you should come up with a plan to get out of this mess. We can do that instead of looking at all the bad we had in the past, we can look at the good. This will allow your brain to operate in a more positive way. This will give your brain a push in the direction of betterment. This just means that things will get better. Think of it as if you keep putting poisonous thoughts/experiences in your life, then that is what your cup will be filled with. Instead, we want your cup to be pure and filled with the antidote you need to heal.

This antidote is the healing we need for any situation in our past. For example, if you lose your job, you can avoid thinking about all the negatives it has caused and focus on what is the current plan of action. You cannot put hope in this scenario. You have to take action! This action will be covered in step two, but you should first find out all the things you appreciate before you step into the present. If you had a job, then you can put that down, but do not bring a negative context to it. For example, say I was grateful for the job I had. Do not say I was grateful for the job that I had, but then I blah blah blah. We do not want any excuses or reasons to be appreciative of what we have. Be grateful and appreciate what you have. Leave the negative context out of the equation. Also, be sure to leave regret behind because regret is a lesson, just like a failure. Let it be something that lifts and helps you become better in the future, not something that holds you back.

In Section Two, we have to take a look at our current situation. I know firsthand that it is not looking good. We are all in lockdown and only allowed to leave our house for essential things. I cannot tell you all the people and things I miss because of the current restrictions in place. However, this event has allowed me to learn to appreciate the things I have taken for granted. For example, the gym, going out with friends, not having to worry about getting sick, a full grocery store, coupons, etc. The list can go on for all the things that are no longer around for the time being, but what can I appreciate now?

I can appreciate the time I have to work with many people who are struggling in these times. Sometimes a bit of motivational talk is what the doctor orders, and I love to be able to help those who need to see the positive side of the situation. Every day I can appreciate being able to wake up and go for a run. Though I miss going to the gym, I am not allowing that to turn me negative. Once you learn how to pivot, there is not much that can turn your mindset negative. I also appreciate the extra time I am getting due to not traveling as much. This allows me extra time to dream and plan for my future.

To appreciate what you have now, you just have to look around. You may or may not have a roof over your head. You might be able to spend more time with your children that you didn’t want but can appreciate nonetheless. You might have lost a job but were able to find another job that makes you more fulfilled. The list can go on to what there is to appreciate. What are some things that you can appreciate today? The list of things that you appreciate does not have to belong. You just have to see where the good is in your life so that you can attract more good for the future.

Lastly, in Section Three, we will take a look at what we will have. This will be the result of the actions you are taking now. If you are eating badly and not exercising, then that may not be something you would appreciate in the future. You can stop that now. What is it you want in your future? What can you appreciate in your tomorrow that you may not have today? Perhaps you will appreciate going back to school, work, the gym, or even to community events. How can you set yourself up today to be propelled into the future you desire? The answer is to take the proper actions toward your best future. You have to make choices that will keep you on track to reach your goals and dreams.

I know it is easy to dream and hope for the best, but you need more than that to reach your most desired life. You want to appreciate a nice big house or a new car, but that will not happen if you are not taking the actions needed to get to that point. Perhaps you can start off appreciating the consistent effort. Perhaps you can take away all excuses and bad habits to set you up for victory. I can appreciate someone who didn’t let the weight and troubles of the world stop or slow them down. I appreciate the struggle and effort that will come your way, and so should you.

All in all, you want to make sure that you learn to be appreciative. You have to make sure you appreciate what you have, what you have, and what you will have. This is all driven by positivity and the belief that there is a lot of good still in your life. I know it can be challenging to see the bright side when darkness has engulfed your entirety, but you have to start small. You have to be positive, and the easiest way is to appreciate what you have right now. You have to accept where you are right now and know that where you want to be tomorrow is possible. Appreciate the small things and watch them evolve into your everything.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts