10 things we take for granted in life that we shouldn’t

What are some things you’re taking for granted that could either elevate your life right now or help someone else?

Gratitude stems from acknowledging what we have rather than what we lack.

This is beyond basic conveniences and things like the Internet, Air Conditioning, Running water, Electric lighting, indoor plumbing, or Refrigeration.

They are nice but I wanted to dive deeper and write on something even people without those can take for granted.

Can we become happy by thinking, and questioning things we take for granted?

What are things we take for granted and should appreciate more?

1) Life

This is #1 especially if you are religious. It doesn’t matter what situation you are – the fact that you’re alive is a miracle.

Its something that was given to you for free and can be taken away any moment. We take life for granted when we Complain, live in fear, think short term and engage in self-sabotage.

Keep your life simple. Focus on your health, your mission and your people – Maxime Lagacé.

2) Health

Like Jim Rohn would say, “take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

The say health is wealth. If there’s anything money cannot buy directly but is a life force to our existence – its health.

“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” Herophilus

How to improve your health quickly?

  • Walk 5,000 – 10,000 steps daily
  • Lift heavy things
  • Sleep 8 hours
  • Eat real foods

3) Parents

Once you leave home – the time spent with your parents shrinks every day. If yours are still alive – and you don’t make effort to call, reach out or see them as often as possible as the case may be you’re taking their presence for granted.

Forgive your parents if you still have any grudges and to heal from any childhood trauma because they’re humans just like you.

Spend more time with your parents and show them some love.

4) Sunshine

The first time I experienced real burnout almost 4-5 years ago was the moment I started learning about the importance of sunshine.

Working/staying indoors all day is counter-productive. Step outside and soak up some sunshine as safely as possible.

Sunshine is our best source of Vitamin D. People living in cities with little sunshine would relate more to this as they may need to take Vitamin D pills to stay active.

Vitamin D is vital to your health It’s a hormone that: Manages your immune system Balances other hormones Strengthens your bones Protects your heart Affects your mood The sun helps you produce most of it Skipping on sunshine is shooting yourself in the foot – John Costas.

5) Growth

Compare your today to how you were a year ago. 99% of us – are on a whole different level.

Even if you feel you have done or made less in whatever respect – the lessons you learned can’t be taken away from you.

Make the decision today to dedicate yourself to a life of inner work and growth to reach your highest heights.

6) Food

Real food is the original health insurance. It’s the secret to health, strength and longevity.

Hippocrates has a point here “Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food.” In case you don’t know, this is one thing the Big food industry are NOT taking for granted unlike so many of us – but this time more for the profits.

They capitalize on our deep desire to eat every day and process most of our foods. Not trying to shake any table – but real foods include meat and healthy fats for the most population.

I’ve heard people including myself once say – “how I wish we don’t have to eat everyday so we could work?” But you need to take some time to nourish yourself with good food so you can be healthy. If for anything, its a moment your body goes back to rest and digest (parasympathetic activity) from all our hustle and bustle.

No pill can do that for you. And no one should feel the money they spent to buy high quality food is a waste of money. Rather see it as an investment to your health.

7) The Present

We love to dream about tomorrow and how we could have changed the past moments but sometimes we forget the present is all we have.

You can’t get away with ignoring the present – you lose precious moments that you can’t get back. It’s from the present that we can learn from our past and even create a brighter future.

8) Freedom

We all crave for financial freedom and doing so much without permission…but how much of our freedom do we wake up and be grateful for?

Don’t take your peace, your rights, your hard earned freedom for granted. Nothing is a given. There will always be forces of darkness, lingering in the shadows… waiting to strip it all away. – Otto English.

There was a time your great grandparents were either slaves or engaging in slavery. Most people reading this can go out when they want, come back when they want, attend any school they want.

Meanwhile there are people in various sides of the world that don’t still have this minimum freedom we have. Take for example, the war taking place between Russia and Ukraine – how many people there can do half as much as you can do without permission?

9) Kindness

People take kindness for granted. Especially when its in your nature. Its not weakness – it stems from love.

When people are kind to you and you feel it’s their responsibility – you’re making a big mistake.

You don’t appreciate kindness until you see hatred for no reason. So take the time and appreciate any form of kindness that comes you way. But most especially – be kind to yourself. So you can share this love to others.

10) Your talents

Each of us is gifted in one way or the other.

Sometimes, we let it waste without putting any effort to improve on it or help others with it.

Why do we take so many amazing things for granted?

Like the “foolish servant”, we hide it and follow the crowd to chase the next big thing – recipe for letting it dry up.

So pick up your talents again.

Start Sharing your message. Don’t take for granted the gifts God has given you.

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