Why not recognize how much stuff goes right in our lives? Every single day.

Behind me in line stood a man and a woman. The woman muttered under her breath, “Every time! This happens every time!” Clearly, she was feeling impatient about the old man holding up the line.
I listened to the old gentleman, who was gracious and jovial with the cashier, while the impatient woman behind me sighed and fidgeted with her cell phone.
My turn came up. I greeted the cashier, helped bag my items, and was on my way. As I approached my vehicle, I held up my key fob and clicked to unlock the doors. I unloaded my groceries and started to push the cart I was using to the nearby collection stall. Just then a young grocery store employee said, “Oh, here, I’ll take care of that for you.” I thanked her and slid into my car.
I pressed the ignition button and my car started, just like it always does. I clicked on my music, and without fail it began playing the soothing piano music of Joep Beving.
I took a deep breath and sat back, thinking about the impatient woman in line.
Petty inconveniences
Why are we like that? What do we default to negativity so quickly? If the woman was honest with herself, she’d admit that delays in the check stand aisle don’t happen “every time.” In fact, most of the time she probably moves right along and pays for her things.
Why not recognize how much stuff goes right in our lives? Every single day.
Almost without fail, grocery stores stock the things we need. Cashiers conduct pleasant transactions and help bag our goods. Our cars nearly always start. Music plays without fail. Thousands of planes take off and land without incident daily.
It seems to be human nature to find the negative. To complain and gripe about petty inconveniences. Yet we fail to appreciate the multitude of things that consistently go right in our lives.
Reacquaint myself with gratitude
I’m not perfect. I’ve had my days, too. When the old guy in front of me is driving like a sloth. Usually when I have to catch a flight or running late to an appointment.
So, I’m trying to reacquaint myself with gratitude. Thankfulness for all the things that go right in my life. From my health to the car starting to the licks of love my dogs give me every day.
Instead of fixating on negative comments from readers, I focus on the many positive remarks. Rather than lament the broken gate latch, I celebrate how well everything else works in my home.
Yes, sometimes bad stuff happens. The trick is to not let it drag you down. Embrace gratitude for all the things that go right in your life, every day.
Doing so will lift your spirit, and help you defeat the demons of negativity.
Before you go

I’m John P. Weiss. I draw, paint, and write about life. Come follow along here.
This article first appeared on Medium.
April 10, 2019 at 8:30 am
Reblogged this on Not Tomatoes.
April 10, 2019 at 8:56 am
One more reason to use Instacart.
April 10, 2019 at 11:00 am
Hi John Weiss, I like you already, sir…. I’m quite ancient and have learned several, handy, lessons in my life. Fortunately I’m quite a patient person and have observed just how many serious arguments follow on from the loss of tempers. My own husband has a short fuse and can turn on a sixpence (but luckily he turns back just as quickly!) and has lots of laudable traits…My own father had a similar personality. I find most people fascinating, if annoying at times, as they have so many varying foibles and habits. One of the reasons I enjoy writing so much. Cheers.
April 10, 2019 at 11:04 am
A hundred apologies Christina! Why do I rush so much?!….Trying to keep up with Facebook messages etc., (I hope you are not offended!) x .