Friday, August 21, 2015:

It started off like any other day. I dreaded waking up, eyes half open, and my alarm still on snooze awaiting the next moment I might doze off. Not eager to start another day of office work. After scrolling through the usual narcissistic posts of most of my Instagram's following, I finally dragged myself out of bed and started my routine.

This might look like many of your mornings. For the most part, we can say we're "happy" in our lives, but what actually contributes to making us happy? Do we get eager to start our days, and put our feet on the ground? Do we get excited to be able to admire the beautiful sun as we go about our daily routines?

Anyway, back to my revelation that day.

So, on the morning of August 21, as I was on my way to the office, I saw this middle-aged woman on the sidewalk. Her neck was slouched down, and her head was facing her lap. She was being pushed in a wheelchair by a younger nurse. Her legs were stiff and looked stationary. I don't know what her condition was, or why she wasn't able to walk herself, but I knew that's no life for a woman in her, what looked about, 40s.

Everyone passing her on, listening to music, consumed in their own personal thoughts, or staring at their phone screens without even noticing the woman and the nurse. For some reason, this scene triggered an emotional and mental response in me. I drove past with my thoughts and appreciation. I began thinking about how blessed I am to get myself out of bed every morning. My thoughts quickly began to snowball. I have 10 fingers and toes, eyes that can detect shapes, colors and faces. I have ears that can hear the wind, decipher my family members' voices over the phone and enjoy my favorite music. I have a sharp mind, and the resources to continue making it sharper.

Essentially, the world is my playground. I can do anything I want, at any time that I want. I can get up and take a run. I have the physical capacity to travel, take long mountainous hikes or take an aviation lesson. I have the world at my fingertips, while so many others cannot even leave their hospital beds and enjoy the day's beauty.

It's rare that I find myself taking a moment to appreciate all of what contributes to my entire quality of life because I don't usually think of them as big gifts, which they are. Our lives, and all the natural good that comes with them, like our health, well-being and independence, are a gift. We did not earn those gifts, and we're not entitled to them. These precious gifts can be taken from us in an instant, and we cannot be envious, or feel defeated because they were generously handed to us.

Today, I'm making a promise to myself to appreciate these big gifts for each day that I'm lucky enough to have them.