Written by Mandy Smith

I know it isn’t Thanksgiving anymore, but I was just thinking about eye health and it made me realize I take so many things for granted.  (I think about eye health a lot since studying to become an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.) Here is a list of every day hassles that I’m thankful for!

Eye doctor appointment… “I have to go to the eye doctor once a year, and he blows that air in my eye, I have to wear glasses and my contacts are so expensive”. Why can’t I just be happy that I have insurance that allows me to go to the eye doctor?  Or that my vision is correctable with contacts or glasses. 

Getting a parking spot towards the back of the parking lot…  Shouldn’t I be thankful instead that I am able to walk to the door from this horrible spot instead of cussing out the jerk who took up two spots?

Elevator too full…  Again, shouldn’t I be thankful that I am able to take the stairs.  Yes, I may be out of breath when I get to the next floor but I made it.

Two cashiers in the whole store…  I should be thankful that I am able to stand in line and wait to pay for my items.

Dinner is late… Why am I not happy just to be able to eat a home cooked meal?  Or the fact that I was able to choose what I wanted for dinner.

Slow driver in front of me… I drive my car to work five days a week and I usually have at least one reason why it is a pain. Whether it is the slow driver in front of me, the school bus stopping to pick up kids, or just I’m running late I should still be thankful that I have a car that is reliable and that I have a job!

My mother always giving me advice… I feel like my mom is always telling me how I should live my life.  But shouldn’t I just be thankful that she cares?  Or that she is still alive to give me that advice?

Monthly loan payment… Shouldn’t I be thankful that I went to college instead of whining about the payment every month?

Shower water doesn’t stay cold… Shouldn’t I be thankful that I have a working shower and that the water is hot for at least a few minutes?

Potty training… My son is learning to use the potty and this can be messy and annoying at times.  But shouldn’t I be happy that he is starting to catch on, that he is able to communicate with me to let me know when he needs to go?

And I’m sure I could think of many more.  I know I’m still going to complain about some of these things (most likely the slow driver!) but on the other hand I think I’ll appreciate them much more.  What “hassles” are you thankful for?