1: Introduction Can you think of an instance when someone deeply harmed you? This can be a friend who broke your trust, a loved one who disappointed you, or a co-worker who undercut your efforts. In these situations, forgiveness may appear to be an impossible task. Have you ever thought about the transformational power of forgiveness? In this blog post, you will learn about the powerful impact forgiveness can have on your live, as well as the great freedom and inner peace it provides. 2: What is Forgiveness Forgiveness is often seen as an act of weakness. However, this is a skill that only the strongest and most mature people possess. Forgiveness can liberate you from a constant anger towards a person and can cure relationships. As Buddha once said: “ Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned .”. You can better understand this quote with an example: Imagine your best friend broke your trust by t...
1: Introduction
2: The Power of Delayed Gratitude
Delayed gratitude is the art of patiently waiting for a reward or outcome, knowing that it will bring greater satisfaction in the long run. Let's explore a few scenarios where delayed gratitude can positively impact our lives:
1. Saving Money for Long-Term Goals: By delaying immediate gratification and consistently saving, you can create financial security, pursue dreams, and enjoy a comfortable future. For instance, saving for a dream vacation or a down payment on a house can bring immense joy and fulfilment when the time comes.
2. Pursuing Higher Education for Career Advancement: Investing time and effort in acquiring new knowledge and skills can be a form of delayed gratitude. Earning a degree or attending professional development courses might require sacrifices in the present, but they often open doors to better career opportunities and personal growth.
3. Sports: Doing sports is often hard to start with but once you did it, you will often feel better than before.
3: The Joy of Immediate Pleasure
While delayed gratitude has its merits, embracing immediate pleasure is equally important for your overall well-being. Let's explore the joys and benefits of indulging in the pleasures of the present:
1. Embracing the Present Moment: Mindfulness teaches us the significance of fully immersing ourselves in the present. By appreciating the simple pleasures, like savouring a delicious meal, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies, you can enhance your well-being and create lasting memories.
2: Treating Yourself to Small Indulgences: Occasionally treating yourself to small indulgences can rejuvenate your motivation as it is not possible for anyone to never “slack”. Whether it’s buying your favourite book, enjoying a spa day, or indulging in a sweet treat, these small pleasures can add joy and excitement to our lives.
4: Striking a Balance
To live a fulfilling life, it's essential to strike a harmonious balance between delayed gratitude and immediate pleasure. I will give my personal approach on how to strike a balance between both of them. There are 2 important things to notice here: when you are going to far in delayed gratitude and when you go to far into immediate pleasure. I notice that I am going too far into delayed gratitude when I feel like every habit I do, is very hard to start with. When I see that I can not enjoy my daily life because I have a lot of obligations for myself, I need to take a step back and seek more immediate pleasure. On the other hand, I notice that I am going too far into immediate pleasure when I don’t feel satisfied at the end of the day. This can happen because I can have the feeling that I haven’t done anything useful today or just feel bad for “no reason”. If I notice this, I know I have to practice more delayed gratitude.
It is important to note that there is no perfect balance between these 2. You will have to find that balance for yourself and there is no shame in going too far in delayed gratitude or immediate pleasure from now until then. It is vital though to recognize that you are going too far into one of them so you can correct yourself.
5: Conclusion
The most important thing I want you to remember is that finding a balance between delayed gratitude and immediate pleasure is the key to a fulfilling life and that there is no shame in going too far into one of them as long as you can recognize it. Practising delayed gratitude will lead to a more satisfying life but this is not sustainable nor enjoyable without practising immediate pleasure. Remember that the search for balance between both is a life-long journey for everyone and that there is not perfect balance.
6: Your Next Steps
1. Reflect on Your Personal Balance: Take a moment to reflect on your own life and consider whether you tend to lean more towards delayed gratitude or immediate pleasure. Are there areas where you could benefit from incorporating more of the other approach? Understanding your current balance will help you identify areas for growth and improvement. (60 seconds)
2. Set a Small Goal for Integration: Choose one area where you'd like to strike a better balance between delayed gratitude and immediate pleasure. Set small, achievable goals that align with that intention. For example, if you're focused on delayed gratitude, commit to saving a certain amount of money each month towards a specific goal. If you're prioritizing immediate pleasure, plan to indulge in a hobby or activity that brings you joy at least once a week. (60 seconds)
3. Stay Connected: Click the "about me" section on the right side of this page and hit the Pinterest button to ensure you don't miss any future posts about personal development. Staying informed and motivated will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration on your journey to finding the optimal balance between delayed gratitude and immediate pleasure. (10 seconds)
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