Life is a beautiful, complex, and wonderful thing, and there are certain simple things in life we shouldn’t take for granted.
Life is this crazy beautiful thing that we get to experience just once, but everyone around the world is afforded different privileges and experiences to have during that lifetime.
As such, there are certain things we shouldn’t take for granted in life, some simple everyday occurrences and possibilities that, if we didn’t have, we would feel a little bit lost.
10. Time – the blink of an eye
Time is one of the biggest things that people take for granted throughout their lives. Life moves fast. If there’s something you want to do, do it. Don’t waste any more time thinking about doing it; just get out there and do it!
9. Your grandparents – they always have a good story to tell
A conversation about a time in their past, how they met, how your parent was born, or maybe a hug when you greeted or said goodbye; never take these simple moments with your grandparents for granted.
Your grandparents most likely have some really cool stories to tell you, so give them a call, arrange to meet up with them, and appreciate the time you get to spend together.
8. Abilities – one of the simple things in life we shouldn’t take for granted
There are so many people in this world that might not have the same abilities as you. It could be something like walking around, moving your body, being able to see, or being able to hear. Appreciate the power your body affords you and never take it for granted.
7. A cosy night in – sometimes there’s nothing better
Sometimes, the simple things in life are often taken for granted. For example, if you don’t want to go out but you’re worried you’ll have FOMO because everybody else is, you most likely won’t regret staying in. Plus, you probably want the cosy night in for a reason.
6. Your family – appreciate them
As an extension of the point about your grandparents, don’t take your family for granted. Family isn’t always the one you’re born into. We can also make our own families with the people we care most about in this world.
We never know what’s going to happen in this life, whether we’re going to leave until we’re 100 years old or get taken out by some unknown factors way before our time. A morbid thought, we know, but it’s a very real reason to appreciate your family and tell them you love them.
5. Access to clean water – we don’t know how easy we have it
One of the simple things in life we shouldn’t take for granted is immediate access to clean water for drinking, showering, and cooking.
In the Western world, drinkable tap water is at the tips of our fingers, never less than a short walk away. There are people all over the world who don’t have this, so it’s one of the things we really can’t take for granted.
4. Healthy food – appreciate the options
Leading on from the last point, those of us who have the choice to eat healthy and fresh food are very lucky. Much like with water, many people around the world don’t have easy access to lead a sustainably healthy lifestyle.
3. Personal freedoms – something we can’t take for granted
If you live in a country that gives freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and freedom over your own body, consider yourself very lucky.
There are countries around the world that have very strict rules on how everybody should live. If you come from a more liberal and accepting place, don’t take it for granted.
2. The ability to be spontaneous – the moments you’ll look back on and smile
Living your life spontaneously usually isn’t feasible all the time, but man, are those spontaneous moments and decisions some of the best you’ll look back on when you get older.
1. Education – don’t underestimate the privilege
The final thing we want to touch on in this article is education. If you have had the privilege of growing up with a decent education, take it and use it as a useful tool in life.
We’re always learning throughout our lives, but being afforded the right from a young age shapes who we are as we grow.