Perspective

In a lighthearted discussion on plans for the weekend
The conversation took a turn when dismissively my friend
Said, “Oh, you are rich, you might not care”
We left it at that, from her point of view it was fair
But my mind wandered to all those times I had heard
“Oh you are (rich/ smart/ lucky/ successful)” or some such word
Life would be easy for me, was the insinuation
I admit I disliked these words for their implication
With my eyes constantly looking upwards at targets higher
I did not associate those adjectives with me or my desire
I constantly felt I had to complete an arduous journey
Before I could let those words describe me
I looked at people who had achieved much, much more
Those exalted skies were where I wanted to soar…
**
But something about this discussion instilled in me
For the first time, a desire to assess objectively
Whether what I had achieved was with expectation commensurate
What was my contribution and what was attributable to fate
In counting my blessings, I realized one thing
I had some achievements that hard work and luck did bring
When others pointed out all those things, it was an expression
Of appreciation for the blessings that I had for granted taken
I felt worse-off than I was because constantly
I compared myself to those perceived more successful than me
This insight allowed me to change my perspective
Being grateful for my blessings is a better way to live!