Today is especially important to be thankful for everything because it is the end of Ramadan (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/02/what-is-ramadan-and-when-is-it/) and the celebration of Eid (http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/07/eid-al-fitr-160701164352978.html). For many people in the world, this day is the conclusion of a long hard reflection month where they devote themselves to God. For the rest of the wold, it is the end of a lunar cycle. Regardless of someone's practices or reasons, it is important to learn and teach the act of being grateful. Whether you're fasting for a month or handing money to the homeless man outside your building, there is so much that comes along with the act of giving. If we begin to understand someone else's circumstances we soon realize that we are all the same. I want to take this moment to bring awareness to all the crime, atrocity and injustice in the world. Who are we to say that we are better than someone else based on our upbringing or the color of our skin. We are all beautiful and it pains me to say the hurt is far greater than the love we share. Let's take a moment to truly find gratitude in our hearts and do something to change the world. I know it may seem impossible for many of us to find our place in this world and truly make a difference but we have to learn to take our knowledge and resources to help those who need it. Sometimes it is hard to see our own wealth because we are too busy comparing it to someone else's luxuries. Just remember, what you have is more than enough to someone in the world who has far less. If you ever forget this, observe these qualities and actions of a child:
1. Watch the way a baby plays with a piece of shiny plastic. A baby has no idea it is the torn up package of your new lipstick. She stares at it intently and realizes that when she bends the corner, it makes a clicking sound! That simple sound alone makes her giggle and when you add the shiny silver plastic strip to the equation, she can't stop smiling. This one small piece of plastic has brought her joy, what can you think of in your life that seems insignificant but has the potential to bring you ultimate joy?
2. Imagine a mother who was unable to afford the latest Disney toy for her child and instead heads over to target or even the dollar store to grab the cheapest thing she can find. Her child is ecstatic when he sees the pack of mini harmonicas in 5 different colors and the coloring book with a pack of crayons attached to the cover page. His mother spend less than $10 but the child doesn't know that nor does he care. When you have someone who is willing to offer you something to make you happy, try to accept it and learn to appreciate it. Think of something you have received in the past that was the complete opposite of what you were hoping for. Now think back to that person and their thought process, amount of time and love they put into getting you that particular gift. If you truly believe they didn't put thought into your gift then think about it this way, they didn't have to get you anything at all and the simple thought of wrapping something up is very generous of them and that alone I believe should be appreciated.
3. Live in the present moment. I have a nephew who reminds me to do this everyday. He is full of live and has no worries that keep him from enjoying his day. If he feels like he wants to play, he runs outside and takes advantage of the sun before it sets. When playing with water, he isn't worried about getting his clothes wet; He is completely oblivious about the fact that he is pouring all his water out of the bucket and won't have any left to play with after 5 minutes. Sometimes when I stop to think about life before him, I can't really remember much because I was always worried about what the next step of my life would be rather than living in the moment. As you read this, take a moment to think about what you are doing and the way you are feeling. I will end it here so that you can hope off the computer or your phone and start living life!
As you continue on this journey called life, remember to be grateful and give back as much as you can.
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