iThink...thereFore, iAm

Because we don’t notice it when it’s there, but only when it’s gone.

Because we don’t motivate and reinforce positive behaviour, and wish we did after it’s been taken from us.

Because it happens so often we think it’s going to happen anyway, until it doesn’t.

Because we’ve gotten used to it being there that it no longer catches out attention, until it’s gone.

Because we don’t thank others for the small things, but feel negatively when the small things are absent.

Because we think about our cost when it’s gone, but don’t appreciate the cost of another when it’s constantly there.

Because we can only see what we see and feel, and often miss out what goes on in another’s life or mind.

Because we assume or expect that’s the way things are supposed to be, until we realize that it takes an effort to get them done or it came at someone else’s cost.

How to not take things for granted? For every thing that was given to you, give one right back. Understand the giver’s position. Reciprocate. Make things clear - what you expect, what you want, what you need, what you desire. Talk things out. Try to never forget the small things - it was just a straw that broke the camel’s back. Use the thought “that’s the way it’s supposed to be” to alert you to something that you might be missing out giving thanks for. Use your expectations to warn you of something that you might just be taking for granted. Remember that what you think is supposed to be the right thing isn’t necessarily always right - you and I aren’t always right, and it can only benefit us to hear another opinion to refine our own.

Remember we are all imperfect.

“…I try to be my best.”

Echo, Dollhouse