Grateful: How well I'm doing!
Yesterday I saw a news item on the train: Berlin is only ranked 13th in a new global city ranking. What does „only“ mean here? We live in a city where - according to the survey - it is better to live than in 49,987 other cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants and instead of being grateful we say „only“! Excuse me?! We grumble instead of rejoicing in the privilege of living in one of the 20 most liveable cities in the world.
What's the alternative - moving to Vienna because it's number one - I don't know if they'll stay up there if the cosy „kiss-your-hands“ Viennese are suddenly joined by 100,000 grumpy Berlin refugees. When Berlin becomes emptier again - currently around 50,000 new people move to this „unattractive“ city every year - perhaps people here will also become a little more relaxed and friendly ... and then overtake Vienna.
Berliners - be grateful!
In general, we are not as unfriendly as our reputation. In the years before and after the fall of the Wall, you could tell how much stress the division and being surrounded by a wall caused people in the city. Of course, every now and then you come across the typical Berlin snark, like the information officer on the underground who I asked for the best way to get somewhere and who replied curtly: „The best way is to take a taxi!“ That still happens. But overall, I feel that Berliners are much warmer than they used to be. Maybe I've contributed a 3 millionth part to that. I'm grateful for that.
Back to number 13 of the world's most liveable cities. I have written a lot about Gratitude written, a whole book with daily impulses to see and feel the good. I even have an online course - DAN - take everything with gratitude - to help people learn or deepen the joyful art of going through life with gratitude. In short, I have worked intensively on the question of how to practise an attitude of contentment.
The key to more grateful satisfaction
A big key to a happy life is the decision to compare yourself downwards. Of course, unless you are Vienna, there are always cities that outrank you. There is no question that some people are better off in terms of health, emotion, finances, relationships or in some other way. If we compare ourselves with them, frustration is inevitable.
I have decided to only compare myself with people who have it worse than I do. One item of clothing consumes up to 8000 litres of water. My wardrobe probably contains the German average of 150 clothes - just under a quarter of a million litres of water. That would cover the drinking water needs of hundreds of people. I am much better off materially than many, many people in the world.
And not just materially: as a woman, I can use my gifts and talents to inspire and influence people. I have some people to go through life with. I am quite healthy and live in a country with excellent medical care. And I live on a boat on a big river in one of the 13 best cities in the world - in the centre of Berlin. I'm grateful for that.
Three small tips for a better quality of life
- Smile. Right now
- Think about 10 things that make you feel better than other people in the world.
- Why don't you say „thank you“ - e.g. with the impulse booklet Words of thanks
I'm also grateful that you've read this far.
In case you haven't heard of it yet: I write an inspirational letter every 14 days with tips and ideas on how to live your life well - from gratitude to relationships to organisation. If you'd like to receive it, you can sign up here.
