“The happiest people are not the ones with the best or the most things, but those who most appreciate what they have.” - Oliver Gaspirtz
So often in life, we complain about being bored. We complain about the work we have to do, or the people we have to see, or a number of days we have left until Friday. So often, we forget that waking up in the morning is something to be grateful for, that getting to live another day is a privilege. It’s so natural to become sick of the “routine” lifestyle -- school work and jobs, that we forget that the life we are living so carelessly has so much more to offer than laying around and complaining of boredom, or going to work with a negative attitude complaining about how awful our lives are. We forget, that the life we are living is a beautiful thing, and that believe it or not -- it doesn’t have to be boring to be here.
When we complain of being bored, or we complain about not having anything to do, we are forgetting that we live in a world full of opportunities. We forget about all of the “little things” that offer so much joy while wishing our lives away for the “big things.” First, we wish to experience high school, then to drive, then graduation, then moving away to college, then for a real job and no more school. We waste all of the valuable time in between the work and the sacrifices complaining about our lives and we forget to appreciate all of the chances, opportunities, and new days we get to experience amongst it all.
There are so many small, forgotten enjoyments in life. So many little things that make life happy, worthwhile, and memorable that are so easily overlooked. Appreciate them.
Like...
Sunrises.
The sun comes up every day, and when it does, the whole world becomes a happier place. Appreciate the sunshine, appreciate its ability to brighten moods, appreciate the chance to be outside.
Friendships.
Appreciate the people who make you laugh, who are there for you, and make memories with you between all the work and boredom we complain about. Appreciate the people who support you, cheer for you, and reassure you that it’ll all be worth it. Talks, nights out, summer nights -- all of the little things experienced with them that we so easily take for granted, appreciate them too.
Grandparents.
Visit them, call them, hug them. Life is not guaranteed for anyone, but age is inevitable and unfortunately, chances are they have less time than we do. Don’t expect that you have years’ worth of holidays with them, dinners with them, and traditions with them -- take advantage of the time you know you do have and don’t let your love for them go unnoticed.
Laughter.
Whether it is with someone, at someone or at ourselves -- we forget how good laughter feels. Laughing so hard you can’t breathe, or laughing so hard you can’t even stand up. Find things to laugh about and things to smile at, it gets us through our days and makes all the “boring things” all that much more worthwhile.
Comfort food.
No matter what your favorite or go to meal is -- everyone has one. Nothing is better than the comfort it brings after a long day.
Nature.
So cliché, but so overlooked. Go for a walk, find a lake, sit outside. Whatever it is that make you happy -- nature truly is the best remedy. Go adventure, there is so much to appreciate.
Long talks.
Driving somewhere, sitting on your porch, at a coffee shop, on the phone, parked in a parking lot. Good, genuine conversation with someone can open your eyes to so much or can relieve so many feelings. Sometimes all you need is good conversation with a person who’s easy to connect with.
It’s easy to get caught in a routine, be eager for change, and forget the fact that the life we are living is actually pretty great. It’s easy to get bored of work and want a way out. We need to remind ourselves that life is worth so much more than our grades, or our work, or our busy schedules, it's about all of the little things too. Don’t get caught up in boredom. Recognize all of those “little things.” Put your phone down and go for a walk, make fun of your friend, reminisce on old memories that make you smile, watch the sunset. Start appreciating all of the opportunities and happiness that is right in front of you and remind yourself that your life is not boring. Your life is not an endless routine -- it’s a privilege.
