If you're lucky and you know it...

I am lucky. And I know it. Yet, often I feel that I do not do enough to make that realization come into action. I am seemingly yet not able to keep it in such a place in my awareness that my realization of being lucky drives away the small, insignificant things, irritations, annoyances. I wish I didn't spend so much time with petty things. I wish that I was bigger than that, more giving, more forgiving, more accepting. It is not easy, but I try. Because I know how lucky I am.

Today we live in a time when those of us who were lucky enough to be born in a Western country - we all live like kings and queens, like royalty. The water comes to us through a faucet. There is plenty of food to purchase in the market. We have free time. And most of us can even afford to travel to other places. We have time for friends, family and enjoyment. We own our own time. We can choose what profession to work in, which religion to believe in, which indulgences we give in to. This is really the life of the rich, the wealthy, the life of the few and those truly, truly privileged.

In addition to all of that - I am healthy (even if, let's be honest I should exercise more and take better care of the precious body I was given.) I have a loving husband, a wonderful family, close friends and network of people who are willing to be there for me, and I for them.

So, why can't I always see that in my inner eye when the small frustrations keep bugging me during the week? Why am I unable, currently, to ignore the little things, focus on the bigger picture, and just let it go?

Part of it is focus, I think. When I am able to take a breath, let the situation sink in, and internalize that this particular little detail, in the big picture of things, it does not matter; when I am able to do that, I am also more often able to let go of the irritation. So, focusing and letting go are both important parts.

Another part is to trust in others. Even if something is being done in a different way than I would have chosen, I need to increase my trust in others. I have to increase my belief that their way is just as good as, if not better, than mine.

I really want to increase my ability to focus on my being so lucky, and to be able to revel in that all the time. I want that to be my main energy. To be happy, content and in full knowledge of how lucky I am. I want to be one of those people who don't complain about all the little things, but rather focus on the larger picture, namely all the incredibly good things in my life. So, for the next week, I want to try to focus my energy, let go of the little things and trust in others. Wish me luck!