It is so easy to overlook the things, big and little, that make our lives worthwhile. We tend to take things for granted. Until it is taken away from us. When that happens, we need to take a closer look to see what truly matters to us and why it is so important.

 Of course, the basics are crucial: food and shelter. If you do not have enough money to take care of your basic needs, including medical care, then it is difficult to be appreciative of what life has to offer you. These needs have to be met in order to be able to appreciate anything else. Naturally, if your means of economic support is not secure, your anxiety will increase.

Once we get past basic survival, it is amazing what can take precedence. During the heat wave, my air conditioning broke, and it took over a week to get the part. We had taken our AC for granted, until it was no longer there. The small thrill of the air conditioner powering back up, of cool air coming out of the vents was overwhelming. And this is exactly what I mean, we forget about the simple pleasures, like being cool, like watching birds, like cuddling a puppy or hearing a child laugh, until they are gone.

Stop. Look around your world. What would you so terribly miss if it were suddenly taken from you? Appreciate all that you have, all that brings you joy. Be sure to say, “thank you” and “I love you” to those people who matter. Appreciate what you have as long as you can have it.