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From Mark Ford, editor, Creating Wealth: My friend is battling prostate cancer.
Despite consistently bad medical reports, he spends no time cursing his fate, complaining about his circumstances, or expressing gloominess of any kind.
He’s upbeat, energetic, full of good ideas, and humbly solicitous of my health and happiness.
I asked him how he manages to keep such a positive perspective. He told me he realized he had no control over what had happened to him, and feeling bad about it would do him no good.
He understood he had a choice to make every day when he woke up: He could be miserable or he could feel good. He chooses to feel good because it’s the only choice that makes the days worth going through. He said:
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Recognizing the preciousness of every day as I do now, I’d much rather be positive and get the benefit of it. Besides, when I think back on my life—of all the things I’ve done, the places I’ve seen, the people I’ve met, and the love I’ve enjoyed—I can’t feel anything but grateful. |
In the book Lucky Man, actor Michael J. Fox explains he’s a better, happier person today than he was before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He’s not the only person with a debilitating and/or incurable disease who feels that way.
Sometimes, it takes adversity to appreciate your blessings. It’d be much better to start appreciating them now.
Reeves’ Note: Mark shares his personal methodology for infusing your life with gratitude in the December issue of Creating Wealth.