Do you ever think about just how many of the things in your life you take for granted? We do.
Compared to 200 years ago, we live like kings and queens.
It’s important to refresh your perspective now and then.
These are 15 things you take for granted.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel like reading; you can enjoy the video below or watch it on YouTube:
1
Good health
Not so very long ago, in the grand scheme of things, we used to live until, like, 40.
And the last few years were pretty rough, too.
People used to make a bunch of kids in the hopes that maybe one would survive past childhood and, ideally, help take care of them in their later years.
So the fact that you didn’t get a new PlayStation for Christmas isn’t that life-threatening.
Good health is a priceless asset often taken for granted.
It’s the foundation that allows us to pursue our goals, enjoy our lives, and face daily challenges.
The importance of health becomes starkly evident when illness strikes.
Back in the day, if you got sick, well, it was nice meeting you.
Modern medicine meant basically thoughts and prayers.
Now we have apps that measure our sleep quality.
There are so many ways to accurately take care of your health, but you fail to take advantage of them because you believe you’ll feel like this forever.
We can play sports, travel, and try new things.
It’s also about mental health; feeling good emotionally lets us connect better with others and enjoy life.
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be healthy until we’re not.
That’s why taking care of our health through diet, exercise, and regular check-ups is so important. It’s the key to a happy and fulfilling life.
In fact, good health might just be one of the most widespread things people take for granted.
2
Clean water and air
Clean water and air are essential for life, but we often don’t think about them much.
We turn on the tap and expect clean water, and we breathe without thinking about the air.
But clean water and air are crucial for our health.
Drinking water that’s not clean can make us sick, and polluted air can cause health problems like asthma.
Some people still struggle to get clean water and live in places with dirty air.
This can have a big impact on their health and quality of life. Clean water is needed not just for drinking but also for cooking and cleaning.
Breathing clean air is important for our lungs and overall health. We should appreciate and protect these vital resources and not take them for granted.
3
Safe and stable home environment
Having a safe and stable place to live is something many of us take for granted.
A home is more than just a shelter; it’s where we relax, spend time with family, and make memories.
It’s our personal space where we feel safe and comfortable.
When we have a stable home, we don’t have to worry about where we’ll sleep each night or if we’ll be safe. But not everyone has this.
For some, finding a safe place to live is a daily struggle.
They might live in areas affected by war, natural disasters, or poverty. Not having a stable home can be stressful and impact every part of life.
A safe home is the foundation for a stable life. It allows us to focus on work, school, and building relationships.
Once you think about it, you realize just how much you take the safety of your home for granted.
4
Access to education
Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to opportunities.
It helps us learn new skills, get better jobs, and understand the world.
When we’re educated, we can make informed decisions and contribute to our communities.
But not everyone has access to education. Some people live in places where schools are far away or too expensive.
Others might not be able to go to school because of their gender, race, or disability.
When we have access to education, it’s something to be grateful for and make the most of.
Education shapes our future and helps us grow as individuals, so don’t take it for granted.
It’s the key to understanding different perspectives and solving problems.
5
Freedom of speech and expression
Being able to express ourselves freely is a fundamental right that shapes who we are.
It lets us share our ideas, stand up for what we believe in, and be our true selves.
In many places, people can’t speak freely without fear of punishment. They might be censored, jailed, or worse for saying what they think.
When we have the freedom to express ourselves, it’s something to cherish and use responsibly.
It’s crucial for a free and fair society.
This freedom allows for creativity, innovation, and progress. It helps us challenge old ideas, spark new ones, and build better communities.
6
Supportive family and friends
This is one thing that you take for granted that’s difficult to realize on the spot.
But friends and family celebrate our successes, help us through tough times, and make everyday life better.
However, it’s easy to take these relationships for granted.
We get busy and forget to show our appreciation or spend quality time with them.
Strong relationships need care and effort. They’re built on trust, communication, and understanding.
When we have people who care about us, it’s a gift.
They help us feel loved, connected, and part of something bigger than ourselves.
7
Financial stability
Being financially stable means not having to worry about the basics, like paying for food, housing, and other necessities.
It gives us the freedom to make choices about our lives, like what job to take or where to live.
But financial stability isn’t a given for everyone.
Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to cover their expenses, while you take things like stability for granted.
Others might face unexpected costs like medical bills that can quickly become overwhelming.
Financial stability gives us peace of mind and allows us to plan for the future.
It’s something to work towards and value when we have it.
8
Employment opportunities
Having a job is more than just a way to make money.
It gives us a sense of purpose and identity.
It’s a place where we can use our skills, contribute to something bigger, and connect with others.
But good jobs aren’t always easy to find. Many people struggle to find work that is fulfilling and pays well.
Unemployment or underemployment, can be stressful and affect our self-esteem.
When we have a job that we enjoy and that supports our goals, it’s a significant aspect of our lives.
It provides structure to our days, a sense of achievement, and the means to support ourselves and our families.
Appreciating our employment means recognizing its role not just as a source of income but as a contributor to our identity and well-being.
9
Physical mobility
The ability to move freely is something we might not think about much, but it’s crucial. And because we don’t usually think much about it, it becomes one of the things we take for granted.
It lets us go where we want, when we want, whether it’s walking around our neighborhood, driving to work, or traveling to new places.
Mobility is key to independence and accessing opportunities.
For those with physical disabilities or who live in areas without good transportation, limited mobility can be a major barrier.
It can affect everything from the ability to work to socializing.
Being able to move around easily is a part of life that greatly contributes to our sense of freedom and quality of life.
10
Access to healthcare
Easy access to healthcare is essential for keeping us healthy and treating us when we’re sick.
It’s something we might not think about until we need it.
In many places, healthcare is expensive or hard to access.
This can lead to health problems going untreated and causing more serious issues.
Good healthcare is vital for our well-being.
It keeps us healthy, helps us manage ongoing conditions, and provides support when we’re unwell.
Being able to see a doctor or get medicine easily is something to be thankful for, as it plays a big role in our overall quality of life.
11
Personal safety and security
Feeling safe in our daily lives is something we might not notice until it’s gone. But once it is, you realize you’ve been taking it for granted for the longest time.
Being able to go about our day without fearing for our safety is crucial for a peaceful life.
In many parts of the world, people live with the constant threat of violence, crime, or conflict.
Not having to worry about personal safety allows us to focus on other parts of our lives.
It lets us relax, be ourselves, and enjoy life.
Feeling safe and secure is a fundamental need and greatly impacts our mental health and happiness.
12
Food security
Having enough food to eat and knowing that your next meal is assured is a basic need that is easy to overlook.
Food security means not just having access to food but also having access to nutritious food that meets dietary needs.
In many parts of the world, people struggle with hunger or have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Being able to open a fridge or cupboard and find something to eat is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
It’s fundamental to our health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Consistent access to food is crucial for maintaining the strength and focus needed to handle daily tasks and challenges.
13
The natural environment
The beauty and diversity of the natural world are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Yet, the environment plays a crucial role in our lives.
It provides the resources we need to survive, like water and air, and contributes to our mental and emotional health.
Natural spaces offer a place for recreation and relaxation, helping us to unwind and recharge.
However, these environments are under threat from pollution, climate change, and urbanization.
The natural world’s health directly impacts our own, making its preservation vital for current and future generations.
14
Technological convenience
Most of you might not be aware of this one, so we made sure to put it on the list of things you take for granted.
The ease and efficiency that technology brings to our daily lives often go unnoticed until we’re without it.
From smartphones and computers to home appliances, technology saves us time and effort.
It keeps us connected with others, provides endless information at our fingertips, and makes many aspects of life more convenient.
However, it’s easy to take this convenience for granted.
In many parts of the world, access to modern technology is limited, affecting education, communication, and access to services.
The role of technology in improving our quality of life is significant and deserves recognition.
15
Moments of peace and leisure
In our fast-paced world, moments of peace and leisure are precious but often undervalued.
The ability to take a break, relax, and do things we enjoy is crucial for our mental and emotional health.
These moments help us to decompress from the stresses of daily life, recharge our energy, and maintain a sense of joy and fulfillment.
However, we often get so caught up in our responsibilities and routines that we forget to make time for leisure.
These quiet moments of enjoyment and relaxation are vital for a balanced and happy life.
And lastly, we have a bonus.
Bonus
Being alive right now
Statistically speaking, you live in the best period so far.
If you think things are bad now, you only have to look at history for a quick reality check.
- Technology is the most advanced.
- Healthcare is the most advanced.
- There are more things you can do than ever before.
The luxuries of yesterday and commodities today. You can book a trip to Antarctica and feed penguins if you want to.
In fact, you might not be allowed to feed penguins so you don’t pollute the environment.
But you get the point.
You see, life is not what’s happening; it’s how you react to what’s happening. And it’s healthy to refresh your perspective on things.
This concludes our list of things you take for granted. We hope you learned something valuable today, Aluxer. We’ll see you next time!
