How many times have you taken your health for granted, only to regret it once you got sick? How many times have you failed to appreciate the value of a person in your life until you realized they were no longer a part of it? How many times have you failed to appreciate what you had until it was gone? It’s a tragic story that everyone has lived through; everyone at some point in their lives has failed to appreciate the value of something until they realized they had lost it. It is a mistake that some make over and over again, but why? Why do we fail to understand the importance of something until it is too late?
It starts with the little things; you do not realize the value of your health until you are fighting a sore throat or a runny nose, or worst case scenario, a serious terminal illness. You fail to comprehend the importance of your own mental health until you are forced to battle mental illness, such as depression. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, the water you have access to-- how often do you take the time to appreciate these things? How often does it occur to you that others in the world aren’t lucky enough to even have them?
Forget about tangible objects for a moment and focus on people; the people in your life, to some degree or another, have impacted the person that you presently are. The values and beliefs that you have were instilled in you by someone who took the time to shape and form you into who you are. Do you take enough time to appreciate this person, or have you been taking them for granted? Think of all the long hours of their own lives that these people had to sacrifice in order to give you the attention and care that you required, and thank them for it every chance you get. When your friend listens to your problems or simply puts a smile on your face, tell them how much you appreciate it. Do not expect a relationship to work one way; whether it is friendship, a romantic relationship, or a parental relationship, there must be a give and get.
There is no better way to live life than as an appreciative person. No matter what obstacles are faced, a person can always find a way to be happy if they appreciate the things that they have. Appreciate the things that you have and the people that you are lucky enough to have in your life. Treasure the experiences you get to enjoy, and the memories that you are lucky enough to remember. Appreciate yourself and treat yourself well. A positive lifestyle begins with a positive mindset and a sense of appreciation towards everything that one encounters in the world. Start today and appreciate.
