“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward.

Have you heard the phrase “Don’t sweat the small stuff?” This essentially means don’t worry about or waste effort on small matters. Instead focus on the big picture of your life and most important priorities. It’s also the title of the best-selling book by Richard Carlson, which is a great read.

Small stuff can amount to spending time getting frustrated by having to queue in a shop or bank etc. It may be getting upset by traffic jams or someone rushing into a car parking space that you had hoped to use. I’m sure you can think of countless examples of small things that irritate, frustrate and disappoint you (if you allow them to).

I heard some news last week which acted as a great personal reminder of the importance of not “sweating the small stuff.”

I was shocked to learn that a man that worked in my local coffee shop and who had served me most weeks over the past 3 years had died of Coronavirus. Apparently, he contracted the virus shortly after lockdown measures were introduced and died a few weeks later after being hospitalised.

My wife and I had spoken to him a couple of days before lockdown started. He was joking with us about what he was going to do with so much time on his hands, as he anticipated that the café would be closed from the following Monday. I was really stunned and saddened by the news of his passing as he was always very friendly and cheerful and anticipated what my order would be.

The news I heard reminded me of another coffee related story that had previously made me reflect.

It involved a gentleman that I met in hospital when visiting my father. He was in the next bed and we got chatting. He was one of the most positive people I have ever met. His optimistic mindset was truly inspiring.

He explained to me that he had a thriving photography business and loved his work. He went on to tell me how his life changed dramatically when he was just 42 years old. He told me that he went from enjoying a cup of coffee at a service station to having the direction of his life altered significantly in a matter of minutes.

Shortly after pulling out of the service station, the car he was driving was involved in a head on collision with a lorry that was on the wrong side of the road. After being air lifted to hospital, some weeks later he emerged from a coma. Sadly, his life was a complete blank. He was unable to remember his name or anything about his life including his family. He was completely paralysed apart from the use of his arms.

Slowly over the next five years with specialist care and his own determination, he had been able to piece together bits of his life and was able to recall some information about his history. He was slowly rebuilding his life and one day planned to write a book about his experience.

His attitude was so positive despite the adversity he had faced. He was determined to make the most of his life and experience it in a new way. Talking to him made me feel very humble and had a profound impact on me.

The stories I have shared both really made me stop and think. They are a great reminder that it’s vital to focus on the important things in life such as good health, family and close friends. They teach me that (when I catch myself worrying about stuff) to ask myself the question “will this matter to me a year from now?” It also prompts me to ensure that I make the most of the opportunities that come my way, not put off what can be done today until tomorrow or a later date.

They also serve as a reminder for me to be grateful for my good health and all that I have in life and to remember to count my blessings frequently. This includes focusing on what I have rather than what I lack.

They have reinforced to me that it’s important for me to focus on the present and to be in the moment more often, to enjoy life and have fun and not overly worry about tomorrow or yesterday.

This week why not take a few moments out to pause and reflect and consider if you remembering to count your blessings frequently. Ask yourself “what can I be grateful for today?”

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk