Entitlement is the belief that life owes us something and when 'delivery of the goods' doesn't occur we get frustrated and angry. Entitlement breeds unrealistic expectations of others, as well as ourselves. Our emotions can swing from feelings of self-loathing to, "It's everyone else's fault I'm in this position!" It isn't hard to find these misalignments within ourselves. All we have to do is notice our response when things don't go our way.
Entitlement blinds us to the true treasures of life. It causes us to focus our attention on what others have that we don't - more money, more knowledge, more fun, more friends, more freedom, more confidence - more, more, more! It causes us to make unrealistic demands on others and throw fits when we don't get our way. It puts us in a state of comparing ourselves to everyone, who is where we wish to be.
Fear is at the core of entitlement, sparking feelings of unworthiness, anger, and hopelessness. These feelings are the culprits that stimulate self-criticism and sabotage sustainable appreciation. Rather than tweaking our expectations, we often blame ourselves and others for our lack of success and fulfillment. But what if these moments of challenge are present in our lives to instigate growth within us? What if they are the perfect conditions to break us out of our egos and into our hearts? Wouldn't that change our view of EVERYTHING?
We mustn't forget that life is about evolving, growing and becoming more than we've ever been, and rest assured, we brought with us the tools to be victorious in our pursuits. It does not serve us to compare where we are to someone else's journey, or to be envious of what we think someone else has that we don't. Their bounty would only wither in our hands and lead us away from our own thrilling adventure and personal evolution.
We have a choice. We can continue to be frustrated by our unmet expectations, or realize that putting forth the effort to achieve our goals, grows us in new and profound ways, creating humility, character, independence and greater wisdom. No one can do this for us. In the words of Abe Lincoln, "You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was."
Whenever we feel ignored, unappreciated, devalued or insignificant, our generosity of spirit shrinks and our energy contracts. However, when we express gratitude for all our experiences, our energy expands and life begins to flow in our favor. Gratitude is a mighty, metamorphic force. Our willingness to examine the deeper benefits we have gained from our struggles and scarcities, shatters illusions of lack. This appreciation broadens our channel of abundance and shifts our entire world. Gratitude's humbling effect perpetuates joy for who we are, where we're at, and what we have, rather than viewing life as unjust and feeling like a casualty.
Expressing gratitude for all our circumstances means we understand that there is a greater purpose for everything we are experiencing. If we pay close attention and take responsibility for our lives, we will uncover the gifts being presented to us. Whenever we feel entitled; stressed out, distrustful, resentful and frustrated with our lives, we can find our way back to peace by looking for the meaning hidden within the chaos. Appreciation is an effective way to give back to the world, which naturally loops around blessing our own lives. We must become vigilant in interrupting our bitter attitudes of entitlement, for such feelings block our abundance.
Gratitude reminds us how precious life is and increases our sensitivity to the richness within each moment. It melts our defenses, kindles honor for one another and helps us realize our innate value. Gratitude spawns more things to be grateful for. Essentially, gratitude is love and when we extend this love to include everyone and everything, real magic happens!