I never knew the meaning of gratitude
As a teen, I took everything for granted
Entitlement was my middle name
I was unhappy even when I got what I wanted
My twenties came with a string of hardships
They made me see life was cruel and unfair
The movies lied; one can never have it all
Though the truth stared me in my face
I refused to accept it as my fate
With time and suffering and teary nights
Reality visited and gave me some advice
The best you can do is curb your expectations
And value what you have before it’s too late
So as I lost people and things I loved
To death, betrayal, and turns of luck
I grieved and raged, then let them go
So what if they’re gone? At least I had them for some time
Now I can appreciate what I have and what will come
Only an attitude of gratitude can lift you up
Take it from me – a woman in chronic pain
Yet still finds ways to appreciate her lot