ENTITLEMENT AND GRATITUDE

                                   

Part I : ENTITLEMENT

There are times, more frequently occurring, that we pay heed to is someone’s effort and concern. We fall into this unsaid expectation and entitlement of demanding to receive an infinite amount of what that person has been regularly offering us. 

We at the start acknowledge and appreciate every bit of their minuscule endeavor, to make a fraction of our 43 facial muscles light up. We think to ourselves how lucky and fortunate we are to have won the kindest person bingo. 

What is it that goes wrong from here ? 

It’s not something entirely in our control when someone regularly does acts of kindness in selfless ways with the most earnest intentions and purest of eyes.

We get trapped in the weird world of psychology. We get conditioned. 

We get conditioned to receive that message or call or see them at that specific time of the day. In all those minutes and seconds that only belong to them. The more they are consistent, the more strongly we form a habit and being conditioned to it. 

After a while we anticipate and expecting with a feeling of entitlement. From here it becomes more about us than theirs. Everything jeopardizes when one fateful day they don’t follow up with their unsaid time schedule.  We wonder if everything is fine with us, because if they were always doing it why did it stop now? We make this image of ourselves to forever receive that same sweet feeing, but in that course of time we stop acknowledging that little “good morning” text, and start chasing that superficial regularity. We are not in the least thrilled they want to know how our day went, we just want to have the continuity. From deep rooted concern, it metamorphoses into shallow high seeking.

This way of always hoping for things to be just the way they were at the beginning is highly fragile, and no amount of cushion will prevent it from changing. What we need to build is gratitude to protect those relationships. 

PART II : GRATITUDE 

When we stop thinking about the future, when we stop planning for a perfect number of years or months with your partner (platonic included). When we don’t chase for having a long relationship, that’s largely based on days rather than a genuine bond.

It is when the entitlement goes and gratitude makes its spotlight entry in the fanciest costume. 

When we take their word for that very present moment. The here and now. We don’t let entitlement crawl in and make space for gratitude. Because in that very moment they are with the most authentic and unadulterated ambitions really meaning to know what’s bothering you.

It’s not their job to do that. They don’t owe you a “how are you feeling text”, but if they do, that’s out of willingness to do it. Not because you are too perfect and special. Don’t let a rhythm of habitual occurrences fool you. You aren’t promised a tomorrow, no matter how deserving you think you are. Be satisfied with what you have with who you have in this point in time.  

You aren’t loved because you are special; you are special because you are loved. 

I’d like to know what your thoughts are make sure to share them down below, and if this article added any significance to your life, do share it with others :)