Maybe it's my old age, maybe it's because I'm married, who knows, but I've really started to become not only appreciate and thankful for what I have in life (job, wife, house, access to hunting land, regular vacations, etc, etc), but at the same time, I feel guilty for having them. I see pictures like what Huck posted a while pack of the starving child in Sudan, or I see commercial's on TV for St. Jude's, or witness the very life stories unfolding around me (my mom's lifetime best friend battling cancer, my grandfather passing last year, my dad's best friend battling several health issues, watching/reading about third world countries, socialist countries, etc, and I just think, "why do I get to have such nice things and such a comfortable lifestyle when there are children with no presents to open on Christmas, no parents to love them, people living in the streets scraping for every meal?" It doesn't seem fair, and yes I know that term has no place in the real world because I know life isn't fair. While what some of you might think I'm eluding to support of a socialist state, I am CERTAINLY not! I just don't understand how the cards fall into place for some, but not others. I know I used to always dwell on my "major" goals in life (bigger house, bigger truck, buying my own land, retiring after X number of years, etc, etc) meanwhile, I'm overlooking and taking for granted all that I have RIGHT NOW. I'm learning to become more and more appreciative of what I have, and I count my blessings everyday for my wife's health, my health, my family's health, the fact that we have food on the table when we want, a nice comfortable bed every night, etc, etc. While I consider myself very fortunate, I still often wonder why others aren't given the same opportunities? That thought is usually what then leads to a feeling of guilt. So I suppose to make this a debatable topic, do any of you feel the same way, or am I just crazy? In light of the season, and to end this thread with a positive message, be thankful for all that you have, no matter how trivial and small you may believe it to be. Everyday that you spend with your loved one's, and everyday that you can rest your head in a warm bed with food in your stomach (don't eat right before bed...you'll get fat:D), be thankful, because in the grand scheme of things, you are already blessed beyond imagination in the eyes of many. Can you tell we have a half day today here at school?
If i wasnt feeling guilty before I am now. I do try to be thankful for what i have and hope that no one screws it up for my children when they get to be my age. The thought of how things may be in 50 years scares me sometimes.
I agree to an extent. I feel bad for the physically and mentally challenged that aren't afforded the opportunity to make a better life for themselves. Or the people that for whatever reason have a pre determined path so to speak. However I also believe it's up to the individual to make a life for themselves. There are far too many people that just accept their life for what it is and pack it in. Some have to work harder than others. Some people achieve their goals and have a good life easier than others. Some more fortunate than others etc.... BUT there is always a way. I live a comfortable life but I worked my you know what off getting there. I wasn't exactly dealt the best hand in life when I was young. I could have easily continued with my pity party and ride out life with whatever happened. Sometimes you just have to outwork the next guy and make it happen. So yes ... I am thankfull for what I do have. I dont' dwell on what I don't. I do have sympathy for the less fortunate (that can't achieve a comfortable lifestyle). But I have a hard time sympathizing with the ones that choose not to try.
Oh I agree fully. My "guilt" is directed toward those whom are starving or disease ridden in countries with poor sanitation, those whom are neglected, physically and mentally unwell, etc. Those who are put into circumstances where they have a chance to create something for themselves (much of the U.S), but choose not to are a different story.
Great advice = if you start to feel guilty or responsible for things that are not in your control, you head down a slippery slope.
The pretty people always win. In my best West Side Story singing voice.... I feel pretty.. oh so pretty.
Yes, Matt, I am very thankful for what I have. Living in a larger city, its not uncommon to see those less fortunate. Its a reminder to be thankful, for me, even though there are times I wish I had more. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for reaping the beneits of their hard work. You earned what you have. There are plenty of appreciative and unappreciative people in this world. Its not Whoville. I understand what you're saying, NY. My outlook is a little different. Its easy to say someone isn't trying, but I have never walked in their shoes. Hunting and fishing has given me the opportunity to travel to many places in Michigan. Many of these places have really made me appreciate the upbringing I had. I didn't have a "privileged life", but we had enough. I also had great parents that taught me great values and work ethic. I'm not naive enough to think everyone was afforded the same upbringing. I have met many people, both old and young, that are a product of their environment. They weren't taught to want more, to create opportunities for themselves. I don't blame them for it either. I simply choose not to judge them. If they need help, and I am in a position to help them, I do. No questions asked. Not saying everyone should have the same opinion, just sharing mine.
