After 45 years as a GP, Dr Robert Favaloro ponders on what it takes to build a wonderful life. How happiness can be grown and tended like a good crop. It's all about following The Rules of Life.
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Rule of Life 7 - ' Be Thankful '
One of my earliest memories is of my new cowboy outfit from Santa. It wasn't quite what I expected so I was disappointed. I chose to be disappointed and lost energy in the process.
'Expect nothing and what you get is a bonus' has become an axiom for me that has saved so much disappointment. ('Expectations' can be a real burden in relationships).
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One elderly patient was held in high esteem in her family. Her mother had died soon after she was born. She never complained and so often stated how thankful she was for her lot in life. Even her grandchildren admitted that she was an inspiration to them. On one occasion, when given an inheritance, she immediately stated: "I know who can use this"- and it wasn't herself. I saw her as exhibiting amazing inner freedom to be able to give so easily.
To me, being able to give and having gratitude are very close. They are qualities that we naturally admire. In that they unburden us , they energise us.
Patients who have recovered from cancer so often develop a new sense of thankfulness. They admit to appreciating so many simple things that they previously took for granted. Some have even said that they are thankful for having gone through their disease. Their new value system is so appreciated.
We are programmed to be thankful people.
Winston Churchill said: "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." His other great quote is: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
The wealthy man is the man who feels that he has enough!
Rule of Life eight in two weeks.
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