How do you feel about gratitude, and being thankful for what you have? Or, are you the type that is always looking for more, or to have more? And, do you feel disappointed or depressed if you learn that a friend or family member has more than you? There is an old saying that I have always kept, above my desk which says… ‘The richest man in the world isn’t he who has the most, but he who needs the least.’ It’s a bit of a puzzling saying when you first read it, but it you study the words and think about what it implies, then it all becomes clear. From my years of working with people in the City of London, many of them being extremely wealthy, I very quickly learned that no matter how much money a person has, how much they can buy and accumulate, go where they want, have what they want, it doesn’t necessarily make them happy, as a matter of fact, I have seen extremely rich people miserable, because their top-of-the-range car isn’t as good as they thought it was going to be, or that no matter what they buy for their kids it isn’t enough, as they very quickly tire of whatever they have – then want more… So, how do you avoid being depressed about what other people have amassed? The best way to tackle that query is to look around at what you already have and be grateful for it. Use your notebook to jot down all the good things you have in your life, and you may be surprised at all the things you can be grateful for, good health perhaps, a nice home, good family and friends, enough clothes and shoes, ok, you might want a better car, but hey! Remember, even the richest man with the most expensive car would probably like a better one? So, goods and possessions only put you on a ladder that never runs out of rungs… meaning, no matter how high you go, or how much you have you will never have enough to satisfy you, but if you are grateful for what you do have your life will be far more satisfying.
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