A Friendly Reminder Of Life's Daily Gifts
Not everyone is fortunate to have access to things that make everyday life manageable. When we do, it's easy to forget how lucky we are to obtain these conveniences daily. From tangible items to natural experiences, look deeper at life's daily gifts that are often neglected.
1. Water
We splash in it, wash with it, and drink it–– we aren't alive without water. Take a moment to appreciate your hot shower, your refreshing drinking water, and don't run the taps too long. In many urban spaces, clean water is accessible everywhere from hoses and bottles to kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Shelter
If you have a roof over your head, look up and thank it. A house is a privilege that keeps you safe and sheltered from the elements. We're not all able to afford an interior designer but that couch you curl up on and that table you sit at is giving you all you need.
3. Food
With access to restaurants and supermarkets for many of us, there's an abundance of food at our doorstep. It's often literally delivered to our doorstep. Grocery stores are packed to the brim with global food products that we can buy all year long. Food for thought–– we don't have to know a thing about farming or gardening to feed ourselves for the rest of our lives.
4. Internet
The world at our fingertips–– humans can communicate with each other anywhere around the globe. We can look up recipes in less than a minute, know where our friends are vacationing, and listen to Adel's latest album all from our devices. It's only when wifi cuts out and bills can't be paid or video calls end abruptly, that we realize how much we rely on the internet every day.
5. Clothes
From time to time, we're all guilty of staring into our stuffed wardrobe and complaining that we've got nothing to wear. You're very fortunate to have clothes and shoes in the first place, and you're excelling with options of outfits to choose from. We should be thankful for those who make our clothes and consider where we buy them from too.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
6. Transportation
Whether you own a vehicle or take the bus, we rely on transportation to get around. We often need it for work, to visit friends, or to take us anywhere inaccessible by foot. We should be grateful for our wheels–– our lives would be drastically different if we couldn't hop on a train downtown or drive our car to the mall.
7. Hygiene Products
We couldn't complete our morning routines without our toothbrushes and face wash. Not everyone in the world have these basic items in their toiletry bag. Let the fresh scents remind you to be grateful the next time you spritz your cologne or get a whiff of shampoo from your clean hair.
8. Electricity
Thankfully, many of us don't lose power unless there's a severe storm. From our lamps to our phone chargers, we use electricity every day without even thinking. We can thank electricity for our abilities to watch TV, wash our clothes, and microwave our leftovers.
9. Medicine
Easy access to meds is a major relief. If you have a headache you can grab pain killers from the medicine cabinet. When you're sick you can buy all kinds of medicine from the local pharmacy, The next time you have the sniffles, remember there are drugs to heal all our aches and pains.
10. Businesses
We depend on various businesses to enhance our daily lives. Whether you need a plumber for your broken toilet or a garbage truck to pick up your trash, there's a business at your service. We overlook how easy it is to book an appointment, browse the stores, or shop online for all our needs.
Not all gifts are material–– let's dig a little deeper to unearth more of life's treasures to be grateful for.
11. Good Health
Good health is something to smile about. If you wake up healthy, take on the day with a spring in your step and treat your body with respect. Acknowledge how you feel and remember to take advantage of your capabilities while you're thriving.
12. Time
Yesterday, today, tomorrow–– we often take time for granted. When we focus on the present moment we can free ourselves of all the chaos. Sometimes it's hard to tick everything off your to-do lists but remember to be grateful for the time you do have and maybe it will feel still for a moment.
13. Education
Education is important but it's also a privilege. We complain about school homework or our nit-picky mentor, but we're lucky to have leaders, institutions, and tools to teach us. Everyday's a school day–– we can also learn something new from communities or by observing our surroundings.
14. Love
Not all families get along but chances are you are loved by someone. Make sure your loved ones know how much you appreciate them, it'll make them feel good and it'll benefit your mental health. The Beatles had it right–– all you need is love.
15. Alone Time
Especially if you're a parent or share a home with others, alone time can be rare and so it should be cherished. Take these precious moments to do something for yourself, whether that's reading a book or going for a run. Appreciate any me-time you can facilitate, it'll go a long way.
16. Sleep
We underestimate the power of a cat-nap! Be thankful if you have time in your day to nap and use its health benefits to your advantage. If you're a good sleeper you should be extremely grateful, we can't all get our 8 hours or snooze on the train. When you do have a good night's sleep, try to seize the day.
17. Nature
Not much in this world is free but the most unappreciated wellness boost is free of charge. Nature should be cherished for all it has to offer us. From walks in the park to the meals on our plates, nature plays a huge role in our lives. We disrespect it when we litter, over-consume, and destroy habitats. It's recommended to hug a tree but you don't have to, just be kind to the flora and fauna.
18. Breathing
Our breath should be a reminder each day that we're lucky to be alive. Some of us might go days or weeks before noticing our breath. Pay attention to how you feel the next time you're outside and breath in the fresh air.
19. Your Senses
Wake up and smell the roses–– if you have all five of the human senses, you're charmed. Take a moment to notice the senses you can experience and notice how they benefit your everyday life. If you ever lose ability of one you'll wish you had it back.
20. Sun & Rain
We long for sunny days but we need the rain too! Life on earth relies on the warmth of the rays and the nourishment from the raindrops in order to grow. The next time you get caught in the rain, remember a rainbow is only present when there is both.
