Things Can Always Be Worse | Find Something Positive

As you already know, I went to celebrate my birthday in Jamaica with my friend a few weeks ago. The trip was sweet and a little sour, all in one. Everything about the trip itself was sweet; the beauty of the country, the excursions, the food, all of it. The only things that were sour was the travel arrangements. I missed my flight going and had to buy another flight and then coming back my flight got delayed like four times and I ended up having to spend the night in Miami. After all the things that happened coming back I was pretty frustrated. I had a layover in Miami, but my original flight was delayed, so I ended up missing my connecting flight. I literally spent all day in the airport, trying to get reticketed for another flight and looking for a hotel. In the end, I was able to get a hotel room and get on the next flight the next day. I was so frustrated, after everything I had been through, that when I got to the hotel, I went on the balcony to get fresh air. While I was out there, I looked down under the bridge and saw so many homeless people sleeping on cardboard. Instantly, I felt bad that I was over here complaining about all the travel mishaps I had, while there were people sleeping outside. I instantly had to check myself because I felt like I was being ungrateful. Now don’t get me wrong, my feelings in that moment were valid, but I had to change my perspective on the situation. I was blessed with the funds to get a uber and a hotel room. I love Miami, and I got to spend a half of day there. Yes, in the moment, I was annoyed, but the gratitude I came home with was needed. 

People always say to be grateful, but they don’t tell you the peace that comes with being grateful. I know for me, being ungrateful seems like this big thing, but the reality is being on ungrateful can be displayed in so many ways. It’s always something positive you can focus on. I say all this to say, when your problems feels like the end of the world, always remember that someone has it worse than you. I know society hates when people say that, because it is invalidating to the individual, provides a barrier to treatment, and is nonsensical at its very root, but it is true. When you are going thru something, allow yourself to feel the feelings, but still find something to be grateful for in the moment. It will bring you peace over the entire situation if you focus on gratitude. Also, in the midst of trials and tribulations, flip the lens to try to see what God is trying to show you. God doesn’t do anything by accident. Rather than fight with all the negative things going on, discover what lesson is coming from it. For me, I needed some time alone, to recharge and remember how big God is. In life, sometimes our problems have a way of seeming bigger than what they are, but always remember God is bigger than whatever problem or situation going on in your life. I know people hate hearing it, but your problems are never as big as they seem. God allowed all of my flight delays to happen, because I needed to be in that hotel room to see the people sleeping under the bridge. Don’t get me wrong I know there’s people homeless, but seeing it makes you really appreciate the things you have in life. 

When you’re going thru things in life, it’s ok to feel the negative feelings, but remember to focus on the things you’re still grateful for. It’s not always easy, but it’s better than dwelling on the negative ESPECIALLY IF IT’S THINGS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. I could have sat in that hotel room mad all night, but it wouldn’t change anything. The reality is, in that moment I was going to be stuck in Miami whether I liked it or not. In life, things will always happen, but it’s important how you respond. I chose to focus on the positives and I think you should too!