We tend to walk through life with the idea that we deserve all of the things in our life (whether it may be good or bad.) I would challenge all of us to look at life from a new lens, one with less criticism and more gratefulness. There are many things in life that we overlook and forget how blessed we truly are.

1. Our Health

This is first and foremost the factor in our life that determines what we have the capacity to do. Just take a moment and imagine how different your life with be if you were battling an illness or a type of disease. Health simply cannot be taken for granted.

2. The People in our Lives

Loved ones should never be taken for granted, as life can change in one second. Cherish the moments you have with them, and do not spend your moments wasted on technology rather than spending quality time with them. Balance your time among your occupation, hobbies, and family/ friends. You will have a much more wholesome outlook on life if you achieve this balance.

3. Our Mental Health

We tend to easily overlook what a blessing this can be, as more and more people are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. Even having normal social interactions can be an uphill battle for some, so we should appreciate the control we have over our emotions.

4. Access to an Education

Living in the United States has provided us a variety of opportunities in terms of education. We have the public school system so that anyone can have access to an education, as well as private institutions that may provide a more rigorous curriculum or religious background. Additionally, we have strong public and private universities, which many people in developing countries may not have at their fingertips.

5. Options for Food and Water

Having options is a privilege in itself, let alone having options for food from fresh fruits and vegetables to frozen items. Even within areas of the U.S., people still have limited options of food, or may not be able to afford it. If we have access to Dasani, Ice Mountain, and Smart Water, we are more privileged than we allow ourselves to believe.

6. Freedom

Living in the United States has given us the opportunity to be free in many avenues: to practice the religion of our choice, speak our minds and opinions, peacefully protest what we disagree with, and the freedom to chose who we love. Citizens of other countries do not possess all of these freedoms, and therefore we should be thankful for the right to express such individuality.

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I hope these 6 points will provide you with a fresh outlook on life, and to be more appreciative of the the simple things that encompass our lives each and every day.