Appreciation!

Appreciation
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."~Frederick Keonig~
When my children were growing up it was just understood that we would all respect one another as a family. This was taught mainly by example, on a daily basis. It was discussed at great length mostly by their dad, especially if someone tried to cross the line. We all know that teen years can be difficult at best.
There were several rules however, that were instilled frequently and verbally over the years, by their Dalai MaMa, they became my parental mantra. Here are three I felt very important to share:
1. I die before you do!
2. Do unto others because the karma bus will be there waiting for you!
3. The key to happiness is to appreciate what you have!
Lets discuss number three today, Stephanotis is symbolic for happiness. This one simple little rule is so powerful and holds so much truth.
I'm not talking about working for and acquiring material things that we maybe want or need, I'm talking about people who seem to be bottomless pits of need. Everything is never enough! How do we then, ever begin to fill the hole? This is a terrible place for any person to be, young or old. Over indulgence by a parent could be a cause or lack of indulgence could be another??? I have no real answers here, I just simply know that we must appreciate what we do have.
I just love it when I'm having a down day and discussing the woes of the world with one of my grown children and they throw my wisdom back at me. Gosh, they had to have learned it somewhere. The Dalai MaMa must regroup her frustrated thoughts and start appreciating once again. What's good for the goose is...you know how that goes.