Be Grateful: Simple Things in Life that Make You Happy

I’ve spent the last few years doing gratitude practice. Thinking about the things I am happy for. I didn’t really think it worked or impacted me until recently. It took a trip back home to my hometown Vancouver to appreciate all the simple things that we all take for granted. 

My mother recently got hip surgery and due to complications had a longer than expected recovery time. The impact was that she had a hard time moving around. She couldn’t go down the stairs without help, let alone leave the house. Even taking a shower, she would need help from my dad. Thankfully she is recovering quickly. 

It also reminded me of a good friend who had a freak bike accident. He broke both his arms. So you think so what?  Well, you can’t put food in your own mouth as you can’t use your hands. You can’t type anything in a computer or phone so you can’t do anything with work. You can’t clean yourself in the bath or go to the toilet by yourself. 

Think about that. How helpless you are in either of these situations. No mobility or no capacity for handling anything. No freedom and total dependence on others, which is especially painful and glaring for an adult. 

So next time you think your life sucks, remember to appreciate what you have now. Having no injuries. Being able to take care of yourself.  You have your health, your independence and mobility. Don’t take these for granted. Simple basic things make a difference. Be grateful and be happy.