Let’s Remember What’s Really Important

Lately I’ve noticed plenty of folks investing heaps of emotion in trivial, insignificant junk. Sadly, I’m a part of that trend in many instances. It’s vital that occasionally, we take a step back and appreciate the beautiful, amazing aspects of our lives. There are telltale signs that you’ve forgotten what’s worth worrying about — or at the very least, put it on the back burner.

When slow internet, malfunctioning electronic devices, or a long line is enough to turn you into a negative Nancy for lengthy stretches, that’s an indicator. When you’re more concerned with a stranger’s opinions of you, than how you’re perceived by family and close friends, that’s a red flag; an alert that you’ve become too concerned with the hogwash, and oblivious to what’s truly important.

So what does matter? Well if you’re reading this right now, you’re alive — that matters. You woke up this morning, and you have the benefit of living life for the time being. That’s precious, if you think about it. Never mind that your current situation might not be ideal. Honestly, it’ll never be flawless, but that’s okay. If a person is seeking picture-perfection, there’ll just about always be something to nitpick and be unhappy about.

If you don’t currently feel ecstatic to possess a beating heart and breathing lungs, ask yourself what it is that’s bringing you down your spirits. Finances? Don’t stress, money comes and goes. Currently arguing with a lover? Do your best to fix it, everything within your power. Hate your job? Apply elsewhere; specifically at a place that you’ll enjoy (or at least feel content) being employed by. There are significant problems that will arise, but if they aren’t the loss of a loved one, ailing condition, legitimate poverty, or worse — then you should probably be grateful.

Too often we forget that our good health is more important than a bad hair day. The value of one’s wellbeing is immeasurably higher than the funds in their bank account. To say that money isn’t important would be a blatant lie, but to live life as if it’s everything is equally preposterous.

The modern trend of taking pride in prioritizing money over everything else isn’t necessarily worthy of bagging about. Lavish things are often overrated. What about life experiences? Having material possessions is cool, but spending that cash on a trip will result in lifetime memories — which ain’t too shabby either. Living life to its fullest means seeing, feeling, touching, tasting and fully experiencing a variety of places and things. It truly isn’t all about owning the newest Apple products, the fanciest handbags, or suits with high thread counts.

If you can recognize that being fully intact and having an opportunity to change the bad aspects of your life is what matters, that’s a great thing. If you can appreciate the good facets, you’re probably a joy to be around. It always seems that those who grasp the worth of every single day tend to be the happiest.

If you’ve slept in a bed, had a roof over your head, water and hot meals within the past twenty-four hours — then life could be far crueler. It’s easy to get hyped up, and say we’re going to start being more positive, turning the tide and valuing what really matters. A near death experience, an inspirational video, a stimulating moment — something triggers us to want that change. This is the struggle. It’s not difficult to sit here right now and be thankful for what we do have. The testing part comes when we finish that motivating thought, and go back to the real world. When the first thing doesn’t go our way. When we have an opportunity to be pessimistic, or optimistic. When we forget to maintain our forced happiness. When the conscious effort to be cheerful and encouraging wears off, and the natural complainer tries to rear its ugly head. It’s a personal battle that can take a lot of work. Just remember, as long as you’re still alive, it could be worse. 

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