“It is always at the very end when I begin to make realizations about my life that I should have made a while ago. Every single horrible thing comes spewing out and I am forced to think about all of life’s tragedies at once. I put my feelings aside and end up combusting. I remember someone telling me that some people just deal with a lot more than others and it is unfair. While I see other people enjoying their perfect lives — heathy and happy — I get incredibly envious. The way that I usually deal with tragedy is through sleep. Not having to think about anything but relaxation is my way of coping with the issues that life throws at me.”

“Sometimes I think I would love to travel to escape my problems, get involved in some other task and make myself happier. But then I refrain from these thoughts because I know they are impossible to achieve in the present moment. And then I think; maybe the only reason I don’t travel is because of inconvenience ... I realize that toddlers do not mourn. They have terrible memories. When someone is gone they can be easily replaced by another memory, and when that person/memory is back, it is time to rejoice again. I feel like I should do the same with my problems. I should set my thoughts free, and not mourn for my losses, but rejoice in the gains that I have made.“

These are just a few voluntary journal entries that I am sampling. For people who have anxiety or depression it may be incredibly hard to think positive thoughts and to be grateful for life's bounties. But positive reinforcement can really help. Regardless of who you are, it is important to realize that there is something that you should be grateful for. Some people are paralyzed mentally, physically or emotionally; whether it be through disease, a disability or a coma. Some people are malnourished or poverty stricken, and some people are deprived of supportive families or security. Some people do not have basic needs in life met—like the ability to see, hear or speak. Some people may even be told that they are not living life properly because they are depriving themselves of temptation or material possessions, when these things ultimately do not matter. There are so many struggles people go through on a daily basis that make it hard for them to cope. Despite all of these human struggles, it is still possible to live life with glorious abundance. There are many things to appreciate in life, and if you remind yourself of these things, regardless of who you are and what your struggle is, life may become a lot more easier.

Here are 20 things in life I personally am grateful for. If you are grateful for at least a few of them, perhaps you too are already leading a good example for yourself and nourishing your soul.

1. The rise and fall of the sun

2. The smell, taste and effect of early morning coffee; drinking what is a natural presence on earth

3. Being able to feel a heartbeat without deliberately trying

4. Being able to touch and feel things from the plaster of a wall to the cover of a book

5. Tasting particular tastes and getting textures; the taste of honey, fruits and the texture of bread

6. Being able to feel the slight breeze in the air

7. Being able to walk to any place on the earth lying below my feet

8. Being able to bend over and pick a flower or being able to reach over and give someone a high five if I want to

9. Being able to talk to at least one other supportive person about my experiences

10. Having access to life, whether it be the city or the countryside; having the capacity to make observations

11. Being able to close my eyes and still see things if I wish to

12. Being able to have thoughts and dreams

13. Being able to go outside, look up, and see the sky and the world above me

14. Having a routine that I do every morning; a form of consistency within the day

15. Having the capability to smile or laugh willfully

16. Having a brain that I can use to make important decisions in life, or having a past that will help shape my present responsibilities

17. A form of safety and security; knowing someone or something has my back

18. Pain, for without pain there is no growth

19. My body; my skin cells regenerate every month for a new version of me

20. Having ears to listen with, a voice to sing with, feet to dance with, arms to open and one thing to carry with me — my soul

In totality, there are so many simple things in life that we forget to appreciate. If we take a closer look at what we have, over things we do not have, it may be easier for us to approach life positively.