Be Thankful for What You Have Got

Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK (999) now has call waiting? I hope that you never find out for yourself.

Have you ever had to resuscitate someone? I sincerely hope that you haven't. Have any of your family spent time in hospital? If they have, I hope it wasn't for long.

Well, I have experienced all three of the above the following number of times in the last three years:

Held in a queue after dialling 999 - 4 times
Given resuscitation to my son - 6 times
Time spent at hospital bedside - at least 18 months

Oh, I almost forgot. We have also been told on no less than three occasions that it would be unlikely he would survive the next 24 hours.

Am I bitter? No. In a way, I'm grateful for the experience. I wouldn't be doing what I am doing now if it wasn't for my son. All of my priorities have been turned around because of him.

I could be one of those people who wallow in self-pity at how unlucky they are, or how unfair life is. I have chosen not to. I have chosen to take something positive out of the fact that my 3-year-old son is severely disabled, and will be for the rest of his life. I have quit my job to spend time looking after my family. I now spend more time with my wife, my son, and I can take my 6-year-old daughter to school every day. I have decided that life is there for living, and that money (although nice to have) shouldn't be the prime motivator for working.

I can also now appreciate how lucky I really am.

There are many families who have a 'special' child like ours, who is not as fortunate as my son. We are lucky that we have a healthy daughter. I am lucky that I have a wonderful wife. Being in this situation makes you appreciate the good things, instead of focusing on the bad things.

I envy families that can go on holiday together, who can play in the park together, or can go out for a meal together. The saddest thing is not what I haven't got, it is those who have got what I want not even realising the lucky hand they have been dealt in this game of life. Be thankful what you are able to do or be, and don't dwell on those things that you wish for. If you could realise how lucky you are, then your life will improve dramatically, just like mine. Be grateful that you have a roof over your head, electricity, television, and running water. There are a lot of people in this world who have none of these and end up becoming more successful than you or I.

If you can show gratitude for what you have, and use your energy towards attaining what you don't have, then you are on the first rung on the ladder to success.

To our Success !

About The Author

Gary Vurnum has left the corporate world behind to focus on helping others succeed. He uses the lessons he has learnt from surviving the life-or-death situations he has faced with his severely disabled son. Others may not want his life...but he is the happiest he has ever been. Send a blank email to sofsuccess@getresponse.com to get his free 4 part report on Success - "11 Reasons Why You Will Never Succeed" gary@scienceofsuccess.com

---

How to Experience Life as a Thrilling Adventure

"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side... Read More

Learning To Embrace Change

The only constant is change. If theres one thing we... Read More

Success, the Only Option

One often hears people say they can't sketch because they... Read More

The Power of a Positive Attitude

You wake up in the morning sleepy and fatigued; the... Read More

Welcoming the Unexpected

As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More

Adding Meaning To Your Life

You got up today to go to work, to come... Read More

We All Send Signals

Think for a moment about all of the signals people... Read More

The Power Of Appreciation

As we enter this holiday season, and this time of... Read More

First Aid For The Soul

A Model of the dysfunctional, unconscious human psyche. A way... Read More

Whats My Life All About?

What's my life all about is the question so many... Read More

Quick Fixes: Happiness In A Bottle

This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More

4 Ways You Can Get Over Your Need for Acceptance and Get on with Your Life

Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More

Doubting Your Way To Success!... Ridiculous... Oh?

Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging... Read More

Rebuild Those Plans

Byron and I started our first business full of enthusiasm... Read More

An Exercise To Open Your Mind To Your Possibilities

Everything exists twice. First, in your mind. Later, before you... Read More

Attitude Adjustment 101: Nine Ways to Transform You From Mediocre to Magnificent

"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More

Positioned For Success - The Refined Art Of Taking A Chance

ARE YOU IN... OR OUT?Are you in or out of... Read More

Your Dominant Thoughts - How to Take Advantage of Them

Self belief is a wonderful thing.I know from my own... Read More

All In The Mind

"In life, if you give yourself a concession, you'd take... Read More

Increasing Expectation Positively!

At your next staff meeting lead your team through the... Read More

So What Is A Limiting Belief?

So what is a limiting belief?Don't you love the current... Read More

What Should You Be Committed To?

There are many dynamics that go into making a great... Read More

How To Self Talk Your Way To Success?

Dear Friends,All human beings have a unique ability right from... Read More

Who Controls Your Mind?

Few people are aware of the thoughts that pass through... Read More

Five Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World

In view of the increasing negative events happening around the... Read More

All My Needs, Desires, and Goals are Met -- INSTANTANEOUSLY

I get emails and questions from people all the time... Read More

11 Great Ways to be Positive about Change

Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More

Positive Thinking - Anxiety & Panic

If you suffer with or have in the past suffered... Read More

Envisioning Your Ideal Self

In my work as a professional coach, I've had the... Read More

Using Power Affirmations on ePosters

I believe that one of the best ways to stay... Read More

A Day in Your Life: 17 Ways to Make it a Special Day

A day in your life is a brief and precious... Read More

Internet Tip of the Week: The Power of Positive Thinking

The late Norman Vincent Peale was a controversial preacher who... Read More

Self-Confidence Secrets: Measure Your Successes

Would you like to be confident in the things you... Read More