Are you a 'lucky moaner'?
Recently I wrote an article about self pity.
Self pity can be such a subtle thing however that many people are unaware they suffer from it.
Perhaps you are what I call a ‘lucky moaner’ – someone who has actually got much to be thankful for and yet who complains about their lot in life. There can of course be varying degrees of this, even if it is just a few negative comments now and again.
We need to stop, take stock and be thankful for the good that we do have in our lives. Count our luck instead of our bad luck. Our lives and relationships will then improve.
If you think your life is bad then have a read of this story:
Injured Ben’s ‘dream come true’ after being granted wish to stay in the Paras
Ben Parkinson, a member of 7 Para, part of 16th Air Assault Brigade, stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan 2 years ago. He lost both legs, got brain damage, lost the use of an arm, the power of speech and much of his memory. Ben was described by doctors as the most horrifically-wounded soldier ever to survive.
Ben wanted to stay in the British Army and rejoin his regiment. Many people would have collapsed mentally and given up on life. His wish has been granted and 7 Para will do all it can to get him involved.
So, how bad is your life again exactly? You were saying?
Now, the British Army is not a charitable institution. In fact, since 1980 the entire British Army has been an elite force. Being small these days it has to punch above its weight. And in any case, what’s the point in being second rate. Even back in 1978 (Cold War era) during a NATO combat readiness test every British unit passed. The only American unit to pass was the 82nd Division (an elite Airborne unit).
So why is the British Army accepting back a severely disabled man with brain damage? I have no idea because I am not privy to the details, however I can say this: Ben Parkinson’s presence will be a great inspiration and morale booster. What spirit! And what a great contribution by Ben.
The whole situation has another aspect too. Accepting Ben back into 7 Para is a very kind and even loving thing to do. Men in the British Army are what you would call ‘real men’ – none of this so called ‘macho’ stuff with all the posing and strutting. Airborne troops are very tough, hard men who are a cut above many of the other army units, and yet they can demonstrate such kindness.
There are a few lessons here for us all I think. One of which is that it is possible to be a genuinely tough man who has great aggression towards the enemy, yet show great compassion and love for those that deserve it. Being loving is not the same as being soft. Perhaps some of these cowardly young gits who go around in packs/gangs beating up anyone from other kids to old ladies could learn something from that.
“People sleep peacefully at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” George Orwell.
Oh, and before anyone takes ‘offence’ at my use of ‘men’ above perhaps I should also add that I respect the contribution of women to the British Army, and life in general. In fact, whenever I hear of people deriding women and putting them down, besides being reminded of my father who is a Misogynist, I recall that women are a key component of the British Army’s Special Reconnaissance Regiment (and prior to that 14 Company). This Special Forces unit is arguably the most elite unit in the entire army. So perhaps the British Army know something about the qualities of women that male chauvinists appear not to.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends“. King James Bible
So, are you a ‘lucky moaner’?
If so, perhaps you could start improving your life by considering how much better off you are than Ben Parkinson.
And for those that have realised that Ben Parkinson is better off than all the ‘lucky moaners’ be assured that you are on the right path.
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Category: Personal Development
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