Always count your blessings

In light of my piece on xenophobia and the killings in South Africa, and in light of an ever growing competitive world, it is indeed hard to accept that there is enough for everyone, and especially when one is facing financial struggles.

Even when the table is laden with food, those that are at the tail end of the queue may be excused if they find it hard to accept that their turn will eventually come and that they will have enough on their plates.

Today, the spontaneous among us are forced to plan to ensure that the Sh1,000 held in the pocket will be used optimally.

The financial market is experiencing turbulence like never before, and inflation continues to rise. Few families are entertaining, and relatives have to ask in advance if they can visit, otherwise the most they will be offered is a glass of water.

Despite this unfortunate state of affairs, many still swim in monies, traversing the world, eating choice foods, visiting exotic places, wearing designer clothes, shoes and perfume, and even driving state-of-the-art cars. Yet some, despite their limited access to huge amounts of money and other forms of wealth, live in a world full of abundance.

Indeed, theirs is a paradise that we all would wish to sample, but it starts with the mind.

Thinking great thoughts and appreciating your blessings one by one. Because as Lyanla Vanzat says: “Money will not ease the pain we experience in life, even though it may look that way.

“In many cases, money is My Own Natural Energy Yield, a reflection of what I think, feel and do. It is the manifestation of our beliefs, emotions and dominant thought patterns.

When we believe we are in pain because of the lack of money, or if we engage in a pattern of restrictive thinking, money will not help or save us. It is belief in pain and lack that keeps money from coming to us.”

Back to counting blessings

This simple act makes you realise how much you have because it enables you to see that others are surviving on much less than you are.

In the process, your mind expands and you realise that certainly, the sky is the limit and that you can do anything you set your mind on. Our thoughts and actions become programmed to a whole new set of possibilities, because we have left the distress and fear that comes with the fixation of not having enough money.

For although we may never realise it, life presents us with just enough, and from it we have to make the best of it.

Then a tranquil and balanced existence would be up for grabs, and you will realise there is enough in your world with extra to give.