Want More? It’s Simple: Be Grateful.
Yesterday, I shared with you a portion of an interview I conducted with a wonderful Mauritian/French
couple. Some of the best advice I’ve received, on this trip around the world in search of the secret to a happy marriage, came from Jean-Alain and Francoise.
Following our tea, we moved to the table where we talked about French politics (I know far less about their politics than they know about ours), enjoyed a scrumptious homemade lunch which included freshly baked bread with loads of butter (my doing, not theirs), red wine, steak, potatoes, steamed squash with olive oil and balsalmic vinaigrette drizzled along the top and a salad.
During my time with them, I was reminded of a principle I’d heard from many of the happily married couples I’ve interviewed over the years: If you want more, it’s simple. Be grateful for what you already have.
“Life is fantastic, let’s not spoil it,” Jean-Alain offers as his one piece of advice. “I’ve always told the youngsters who come to me for advice. I think to be happy in life, is very simple. Love passionately whatever you make whatever you do. I know quite a few friends who all their life think they would like to be this, to do that – be a doctor, be a lawyer, be this, be that – but haven’t managed to do it and they are still complaining ‘I should have done this or that.’ But why don’t you try to find out all the joy of all you are now doing. Love it passionately and you’ll see that life is wonderful.”
Continuing in this same vein, he says, “Love becomes marvelous…when you become content with what you have. Don’t look always for other things. The next door neighbors boat or car. Let him enjoy it and let him enjoy what he has.” You can always acquire more but God has a funny way of not giving more to those who don’t enjoy what He has already given, I add to his already wonderful advice.
Their daughter, Marie-Agnis, adds, “Or if He gives, you don’t see, because you’re not seeing what you already have.” Jean-Alain concludes with, “You manage your life for sure, but there are many things you don’t manage and you have to catch the thing when it comes to you. Be happy with it. Life is a fantastic thing.”
Question: What are you most grateful today? That’s the funny thing about gratitude. When you spend more time forcused on what you’re grateful for, you somehow end up with alot more to be grateful for.
Until Monday…make it a great weekend!
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Fawn Weaver
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