Why You Should Be Grateful for $4 Gas

Right on target. STOP WHINING!

I had been out of work for over two months so times have been on the hard side for us. Fortunately, I was able to find a job with my old company. OK, I'm now a recruiter, no longer an engineer and the job is only part time. On the other hand, I had saved money and prepared for a rainy day. Guess what? It rained! If you want a guarantee in life, there it is. Life is hard and things can always get worse. (By the way, when I’m recruiting, no one with an attitude problem gets referred for the job.)

You won’t find me complaining but you will find me working at problems. While I was off work, I took on several projects around the house and thereby saved something on the order of $5,000. I spent lots of time with my family and new grandson. I volunteered at church and took a group of 11 year old boys to camp for a week. I did not have time to whine or complain.

I bought many gallons of gasoline at almost $4 per gallon. I didn’t enjoy paying $60 for a fill-up any more than I enjoyed paying $30. But, I was able to buy all the gas I needed and only had to wait in line when I found the cheaper priced gas. Not once did I see a sign that said that there was no gas to be had. Who ever said you were supposed to enjoy buying gasoline, anyway?

I started driving my paid-for, 100K mile cars a little slower because they burn less gas that way. I also saved some of that money mentioned above by doing some maintenance work on the cars. I tell you, nothing rides nicer than a paid-for car with a new set of shock absorbers!

As you may have surmised by now, I have no patience with whining or complaining. I suggest that you put your energy to work solving your problems instead of complaining about things over which you have no control. Most folks have had to work very hard to get anywhere in life.

Parting shot: By now there are some people who are really angry at me for having such a blatantly tough, optimistic attitude. I'm not that mean and I do feel a little sorry for you. I think it’s terrible that nobody ever taught you that sometimes things get tough. That’s when you get tougher! Now, here is your opportunity to quit feeling sorry for yourself and learn that the difference between success and failure is effort. That is something else to be grateful for.

Jon Gordon, you are right on target and I will buy your book. Ms. Wolgemuth, thank you for sharing this story.

Mark of TX @ Jul 24, 2008 01:55:57 AM