First off, we are lucky enough to live in the United States of America. Living in this country, we have the basic rights that many other countries don't have. We have liberty, freedom, and a heard voice. In other places, many don't have the ability to do so. Some of the common people in other places live under dictatorships in which they don't have a choice to do the things they desire.
I know I need to appreciate the life I have, and I know for a fact that many others probably feel the same way: that we take everything we have for granted. We don't do it on purpose, but we just got so used to acquiring the things we have and don't think twice about it.
The number one thing I need to be more appreciative of is my parents and even my little brother who is about to graduate high school. Our mothers and fathers go to far ends to make us happy. They provide us with a fantastic education, food on the table, gifts, and other amazing opportunities.
We definitely take it for granted, or at least I know I do. I am so caught up in my life, that I forget to say thank you or spend time with them. Of course, they irritate me sometimes or are protective of me, however, I know deep in my heart that they are doing it out of pure love. Our families show us this great unconditional love that you don't easily have from other people. Without the support my encouraging parents have paved for me, I really don't know if I'd be this far into my journey of success.
Another thing I should be more appreciative of is my dear friends. As I grew up, I realized I only needed a few great, close friends. The quality of friendships are much more significant than the number of friends one has.
This is why it's important to keep them close and do little things for them a few times a year to show that you care about them and support their decisions whatever it may be. By doing this, they will reciprocate with you and show their appreciation and love back.
As well as friends and family, I really need to be grateful for the money I have. As I am still in school, my parents make a majority of this money. They buy me an education, food, clothing, a roof to shelter me, and so much more. I am obligated to one day pay them back with all my gratitude and generosity I have for them. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters to me is the love they give me. For now, to show my gratification, I will show them love and care through cooperation and maturity. I know this will go a very long way.
Over my life, I learned to enjoy the little things in life, in that one day it might turn out to really be the bigger things in my life. They best way to appreciate the people you love is to think what life would be without them. This way, you won't take them for granted. Finally, if you don't show any sign of gratification to those who deserve it, they will discontinue any appreciation for you.