It is a blessing to be able to wake up every morning knowing that there are untouched opportunities waiting to be discovered. With so much going on everyday, we can be forgetful at times to acknowledge the beautiful or fortunate things that we have or the people that have made an impact on our lives. This is why it is important to take a moment and reflect on all the things that we sometimes take for granted. What is ordinary, routine, uncomfortable or strenuous can be a blessing in disguise.

Happiness stems from being grateful, so consider all of your experiences, your loved ones, and your surroundings, and give thanks for what you have and for what you have lived through. Consider this list of 20 things to be thankful for, and let it serve as a reminder to be positive so that your life is filled with much more joy and serenity.

1. Nature

This earth is beautiful, and thankfully it keeps spinning so that we are able to enjoy the comfort it provides.

2. The solace of loved ones

Distant or near, our loved ones deserve recognition for their undying support and affection.

3. Education

Knowledge is power — whether we learn information on our own or through schooling, becoming educated brings immense opportunities.

4. Health

Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual — we all should appreciate the amount of health that we do have, even if it may not seem like much at times. We are breathing, let that be enough for today; let that be enough to remind you not to take the day for granted.

5. Animals

Pets or not, animals represent the circle of life, and we are lucky to be a part of it and to have animals be a part of our lives.

6. Toothbrushes

Personal hygiene is important! Where would be without these?

7. Electricity

Although candles are lovely and some smell phenomenal, we cannot forget that much of our daily activities revolve around electricity.

8. Technology

Our work life and leisure activities tend to rely on technology a lot more now than ever before. Thanks to innovations in this area, we are able to do things much more conveniently than others before us. Never forget that.

9. Flowers

They provide color and aromas to a world so mechanized.

10. Water

Clean water is essential for living a healthier life; thus, we should always make an effort to stay hydrated so that we do not waste that which we have been gifted with.

11. Opposable Thumbs

These handy digits do so much for us. We use them to build, grip, write and so much more.

12. Laughter

Humor and laughter form a sense of warmth that we are all fortunate enough to experience.

13. A place to sleep

Not everyone has this luxury, so let us remind ourselves that our bed, our couch, or our floor is sufficient, because a roof over our heads is always sufficient.

14. Dreams

Praise the fact that you can sometimes remember vivid and creative visual narratives while you slumber. They create the opportunity for you to share your dreams with others or to even have an epiphany about a situation in your actual life. Or perhaps, they simply let you break away from reality and provide you with some pleasant entertainment.

15. When someone holds the door open for you

Everyday common courtesies, no matter how small, should not go unnoticed.

16. When you get a discount

Deals are deals and are nothing short of fantastic.

17. Being able to start over each day

Had a bad day? Start again tomorrow. Had a great day? You can have an even better one the next day.

18. Music

Rhythmic sounds and artistic lyrics are one of best things in life. We can dance, sing, cry, or laugh. Music allows us to be expressive and can simply make us feel good. It is both powerful and incredibly wonderful.

19. Sincere apologies

People can be stubborn and refuse to apologize when they should. So be thankful when others set aside their pride, or when you do as well and are able to be genuinely apologetic.

20. The power to make decisions

You can choose to focus on the joyous things in life and be merry about your experiences. You can choose to live an active life, to be kind to others, to be creative and expressive, to look past misfortunes, and to move forward with your life. You have the potential to accomplish anything you set your heart on because you have the power to make decisions that will lead you onto your desired path. This is an ability that is worth appreciation.

May this list cause you to ponder over the many things in your life, big or small, that are worth being grateful for and inspire you to add more of them to the list. Give others your time as you show your gratitude and find happiness along the way.