CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Be thankful for what you have - a statement that most have heard before, but do you take it seriously and incorporate it into your daily life? Most people complain about problems in their lives. However, if you take a step back from your everyday problems, you will come to the realization that a lot of people have much more valid reasons to complain.

For example, being in the Marine Corps in Okinawa, there are certain restrictions on Marines that do not apply in the United States, such as a midnight curfew for red cardholders, an issue that would upset any adult. However, focusing on the negative aspects of life won’t get you anywhere, whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have to drink it.

Why not look on the bright side of the situation? If you are an active duty service member here on Okinawa, you have a great opportunity in front of you. Living abroad is a great experience, something not everyone gets the chance to do.

In addition, you are provided with everything essential for your survival; a steady paycheck, as long as you stay out of trouble; a roof over your head, unless you are in the field; and a place to eat that is already paid for, unless you choose to eat out. That right there is enough to be thankful for. Not everyone has the things you may take for granted; there are those who wish they had only what they need to get by and wouldn’t ask for anything beyond that.

I am by no means saying that people should not complain. I am guilty of it myself. I’m saying to consider the bigger picture when things begin to irritate you. Complaining about a problem will typically not solve it. For me, accepting the issue and moving past it usually works better. Complaining and bringing up a legitimate issue for the purpose of rectifying it are two very different things.

It all comes down to perspective. What seems annoying and difficult to one person could be a stroke of luck for another, such as when you hear of people in your hometown griping about waking up at 9 a.m. to go to class as if it’s the end of the world. By that time, the vast majority of Marines here have worked out, showered, shaved, eaten chow, gotten yelled at and are already well into their work. The important point to remember is that it works both ways. Just because there are those who do not understand all of your troubles, does not mean you understand all of theirs.

Everyone in the world has problems, and talking about them is good, but next time you begin to gripe about work or whatever the case may be, take a second to ask yourself, do I really have it that bad?