We humans are flawed…very flawed. When we get to buy or experience something that we really want, we enjoy it for a time, but eventually that novelty wears off. We don’t appreciate it as much anymore.
We land a dream job and after a few years, it becomes only a job. An obligation. We “have to” go to work. If you change your mindset from “have to” to “get to,” you will feel more content for a longer period of time. It puts things into perspective. You don’t have to go to your job, you get to go. You get to see people who you’ve grown with and care about. You get to make a difference in this world. You get to get paid, while others are looking for work, or looking to be paid as well as you do.
The same can be said about exercising. You don’t have to go to the gym, you get to go. Have you ever seen those YouTube videos of exercise equipment in third world countries? The ones where they exercise outside in the blistering heat and have to use old car tires for weighted plates? And you’re complaining about going to an air conditioned space to improve your health?
You don’t have to go pick up your children, you get to go pick up your children. You’re lucky to even have children. So many couples want to conceive, but are unable.
You don’t have to clean up after your spouse, you get to. He/she could have chosen somebody else to spend the rest of their lives with. Think of all of your imperfections that they have to deal with for you. They do it without saying a word to you because they love you. You should be able to do the same.
Focus on changing your mindset to one that you “get to” experience life and you will enjoy longer lasting happiness and gratitude. Your heart will be content and you will feel less stress. Don’t take life for granted anymore.