Instead of being sad and getting irritated with…

I don't know what hunger, that real long-term hunger feels like, when it is cold outside I know I can shelter myself in my cosy apartment, just have everything for a comfortable living. Yet I feel unsatisfied from time to time as everyone does from time to time, even really down, depressed as if there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
I guess this unpleasant state of mind is regular and important and maybe sort of necessary because it can make us a bit better. Partly we just need to learn to feel sadness to be able to recognize joy. These qualities belong together and can't exist without each other. And partly because one has to discover over and over again all the basic values that we are surrounded with and are accustomed to take them for granted. Sometimes it is just worth reminding yourself that they exist.
I don't say this is the only remedy for my occasional frustration but realizing all those so called for-granted things helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just have to say out loud to myself something like 'OK, you're sad but can turn your dvd player on or hang out and have coffee with your friends, call your kids or write your blog. What the hell are you complaing about? You really don't know the true meaning of misery.'
Addie, a young woman from the USA (probably), was pondering about all those values compared to her rather negative feelings. I've found it pretty sincere and sort of instructive.

- Instead of being tired of being pregnant.... realizing that God has allowed me to be a part of a miracle and I may never get to be part of that again.... my child has made it thus far and is healthy, and Im healthy... Im still getting (mostly) uninterrupted sleep and I dont have to be on a diet yet
- Instead of getting irritated with my son repeating everything 100 times in a row..... realizing that these moments with him are so precious, and will soon be gone... here I have the chance to mold another human being, what a privilege that is.... to be grateful that he is so smart and learning so much every day, and that I truly, truly love him like no other, and these last few weeks of pregnancy are some of the only times Ill have left with just him, without having to share my time
- Instead of taking my husband for granted.... realizing how truly blessed I am to have him, to really open my eyes to how much "just gets done" around the house, how he doesnt mind driving me everywhere, how he treats me like a princess and looks at me with eyes so full of love that its barely containable.... how he puts up with all this pregnancy has brought... how he is an amazing father - every.second.of.the.day, and what a wonderful example
he is setting for my son to become a man that I am proud of
- Instead of being irritated at work.... realizing that I actually do have a good job that Im good at.... that it pays for us to live a life of never wanting and excess.... how the benefits are amazing, we pay for so little to have a baby... to realize what a blessing it is to work with my mom and see her almost every day, that I may have never gotten that opportunity....