myHK: Mr.J Goes Full Buddha!
So the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is done!
As you may have seen in my last blog, I did take part in it, continuing the wave by passing it on to three friends of mine. Overall, I think it was a great thing. Yes, it wasted water. But, I love that it had people all over the world talking about charity and giving to a cause that needs help. That is such a beautiful thing, and whether people donated or not, the fact that they were doing something, shouldn’t be taken for granted. To those of you who are so worried about the water waste, why don’t you start a charity or movement to help that cause? Simply complaining about the water waste doesn’t prove to me that you actually care about it…
Now, the question is, what’s next?! We all know that after the amazing success that the Ice Bucket Challenge had, people are racking their brains trying to think of the next great idea.
I have seen one on my Facebook page popping up recently. The Gratefulness Challenge.
In this challenge people have to write about things they are grateful for, for 5 days.
As much as I’m ready for a break from the Facebook challenges, this one does strike a chord with me because over the past year or so, finding gratefulness has been on my mind a lot.
There’s no doubt in my mind that gratefulness is the key ingredient in finding happiness.
Almost everything in life is based on perceptions and how we see ourselves and others. Everyone has something that they can feel grateful for, even if it means going all the way down the list to “Having breath”.
I wish that one day I can truly appreciate each moment.
It seems like in Hong Kong, I’m always on the go. Rushing here and there with a schedule packed to the brim from morning until night. How can one find enlightenment with such a busy schedule, right?!
Or maybe that’s just the excuse I’m using.
In any case, I’m going to beat some people to the punch! Here are 5 of the many things I’m grateful for.
1. I’m grateful for my daughter. She is simply unbelievable and I’m truly blessed. Her smile melts my heart every time! I could go on and on about how much I love this special girl.
2. I’m grateful for my beautiful wife and all the love and support she gives me. I’m grateful for her warm hugs and her tolerance of my craziness.
3. I’m grateful for my parents and their unwavering support. I am so lucky to have such awesome parents and even though I’m living in Hong Kong, thousands of miles away, they are in my thoughts every day.
4. I’m grateful for my friends. I’ve been very lucky to have met some great people during my time in Asia, in the states and back in Canada. I think I’ve formed some friendships that will last a lifetime, although I’m not super excited about seeing them all old and wrinkly..
5. I’m grateful for my life and having health and the ability to make change. I’m grateful that I can get out there and help others. Doing the charity work that I am doing isn’t work at all, it’s a privilege that I don’t take lightly. It is something that I will always do if I can and I’m truly fortunate to be in a position where I can help.
So, that’s it! It felt good to write these down. I know it may be strange reading about what I’m grateful for. I tried to not get too detailed or mushy!:)
Hopefully we can all find our calm and love, focusing on what’s truly important in life. I know it’s a struggle for me and it might always be, but that’s ok. Because like in the Ice Bucket Challenge, thinking about it and being aware, is better than not at all.
Cheers everyone! Hope you have a great end to the week!
Mr.J
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