Pride

I think pride is the greatest failing of the human race. No matter what we believe, nothing we did brought us into existence. Whether we believe God created us or we're just a product of unprotected sex, the fact remains that we had nothing to do with our own creation. We may "take our lives and make something of them". I'm not denying that accomplishments deserve recognition. People overcome great obstacles and make great contributions. But we still have very limited control over whether or not our hearts beat or our lungs draw breath. Now, if we do believe in God, then we have someone to be grateful to. If we don't, well, I guess we just cross our fingers. But fundamentally, we don't deserve anything as human beings. No matter what we should just be grateful to be alive and live accordingly. When we decide, in our prideful minds, that we deserve something better than what we have, problems arise. Whether it's the jealous boyfriend who murders or the greedy bank robber who steals or the desperate housewife who complains, it all stems from discontent over a life for which we were given freely.
Of course I'm speaking to myself because I have a very good life. I have the fundamentals - food, water, shelter, clothing - and much, much more, so who am I to complain?
Pride can be so easily hidden in phrases like "self actualization" and "self esteem", concepts that aren't hideous, just overrated. While I agree that having a proper self image is important, focusing on oneself doesn't help us relate to other people or see outside our circumstances.
Laziness is my next big issue because, not only do I think my life should be easier, I don't think I should have to do much to accomplish it. (I don't really consciously think that, but it's how I act and it's what my attitudes portray.) It would be nice if life would just fall into place. But, I guess God decided I could learn more from working.
Anyway, the point of this whole thing is to remind myself to be grateful. I don't feel like I was brought up "looking on the bright side" or, in other words, being thankful for what I have, not focusing on what I don't have or what I want. It's something I've tried to consciously work on for the past year or two - with limited success. There was a time when, even when my day was going well, I wouldn't be aware enough to be thankful for it. Most of the time now, I am. But when the going gets tough, it's very hard for me to remember that there are a myriad of things to be thankful for every minute. Just my life - my existence, when you get right down to it. It's a very hard place to stay in.