COMPLAINING does not make life better. The following is an excerpt from one of my books, “Be Thankful”. You may have many struggles, but be grateful for life itself, as many things are working in your favour. The author makes it his routine to express gratitude. Each morning, as he awakens to a new day, he is thankful to the Creator, thankful for his health and appreciative of the wonderful people he will encounter. He encourages you to stop complaining and embrace gratitude today as you read this book, written just for you.

1. You have strength
As you continue reading, you will come to realise that while you may not have everything, there are still many things working in your favour.
According to Fowler and Fowler (1964), “Strength is being strong, a degree in which [a] person or thing is strong (e.g., strength of body, mind, will, memory, judgment, has the strength to lift a cup, walk upstairs).” Many people possess strength, though some may not recognise it. Strength is not limited to physical ability; it extends to various aspects of a person’s character and capabilities.

1.1 Strength of body
A person without hands may still have feet, and those feet can take them to many places. In the absence of hands, they may develop remarkable skills using their feet, performing tasks that others would never attempt with their own.

Similarly, individuals without feet often rely on their hands to accomplish tasks that may seem impossible. Many people prefer independence and quickly adapt, making the most of their abilities. Strength is not defined by sheer size or physical power—it is about resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Even if you lack certain physical abilities, there is still much you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

1.2 Strength of mind
The mind allows individuals to think critically and make decisions. Some people possess incredible physical strength, lifting weights heavier than their own body mass, yet they may lack mental resilience. History has shown that physical strength alone is not enough—strategic thinking and intelligence often have a greater impact.

For example, those who enslaved others during historical periods were often physically weaker than their captives. However, they used their intellect to develop oppressive systems that kept enslaved people in bondage.

In sports, an athlete may be physically stronger than their coach, but the coach’s role is to use their mind to strategise and guide the athlete to success. Some sports are not won through physical endurance alone but through mental discipline. Marathon runners, for instance, must have the mental strength to pace themselves and stay focused, even when they feel discouraged. A race is not always won by the person who takes the lead at the start—sometimes, those who endure mentally triumph in the end.

In boxing, a fighter may not be able to knock out their opponent in the first round. However, by wearing down their adversary physically and mentally over time, they can eventually secure a victory.

Therefore, even if you do not have great physical strength, you should be thankful for your mental capabilities. Mental strength has helped many people build wealth, lead successful careers, and inspire others. If you have this gift, use it wisely—not to control others, but to uplift and empower them.

1.3 Strength of will
Many people are good at starting things but struggle to see them through to completion. This is where the strength of will becomes crucial. Determination and perseverance help individuals navigate challenges and complete their goals.

Work can be challenging, but quitting at the first sign of difficulty is not the answer. Employees who persevere through tough times may later reap the rewards of promotions or financial stability. Parents, too, often exercise strength of will when raising their children, as parenting requires patience and endurance.

Similarly, students preparing for exams need willpower to stay focused, even when the material is difficult. Success in examinations, sports, or any major life endeavour often depends on perseverance. Strength of will is what allows individuals to push through difficult moments and emerge victorious.

1.4 Strength of memory
Some people possess extraordinary memory, recalling details others have long forgotten. School friends may remind you of childhood events with surprising accuracy, bringing old memories back to life.

Children, in particular, display remarkable memory when it suits them—especially when reminding parents of promised gifts or outings. However, when given instructions, they may conveniently forget what they were asked to do.

In the workplace, employers appreciate employees who have strong memories, particularly regarding important tasks and procedures. Employees with excellent recall often become indispensable to their organisations, even after reaching retirement age.

Strength is not just about physical power. It is also about mental resilience, perseverance, and intelligence. Whether you possess strength in body, mind, will, or memory, you have something valuable that can contribute to your personal growth and the well-being of others.

Be thankful for the strengths you have, and use them to create a better life for yourself and those around you.

For more information about Geary Reid and his books, visit:
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