Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of gratitude for everyday aspects of life often taken for granted, such as health, family, and freedom.

Abstract

The article "17 Things You Should Be Grateful for Today" encourages readers to recognize and appreciate the abundance of blessings in their lives. It underscores the significance of being thankful for fundamental yet easily overlooked privileges, such as having a home, access to clean water, and food security. The author reflects on personal experiences to highlight the value of health, supportive relationships, and even the lessons learned from failures and rivals. By acknowledging these often unnoticed gifts, the article aims to inspire a sense of contentment, resilience, and motivation to improve one's circumstances and the world at large.

Opinions

The author identifies with the fortunate individuals who have basic needs met, expressing deep gratitude for these privileges.
There is a call to action for readers to avoid wasting food and water, recognizing the scarcity many face worldwide.
The article suggests that one's health is a significant blessing that should not be undervalued, especially in the absence of chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Employment, even in less-than-ideal conditions, is portrayed as something to be thankful for, as it provides sustenance and the means to survive.
The author views failures as valuable learning experiences that contribute to personal growth and the development of resilience.
Successes and victories are celebrated as the culmination of hard work and perseverance, deserving of recognition and gratitude.
Personal strength and courage are acknowledged as essential qualities that enable individuals to face challenges and pursue their dreams.
The existence of freedom is highlighted as a precious and often undervalued aspect of life, contrasting with the harsh reality of modern-day slavery faced by millions.
Rivals are seen as catalysts for self-improvement and sources of inspiration, promoting healthy competition.
The role of teachers and mentors is highly regarded for their impact on shaping individuals' lives and guiding them towards personal and professional development.
Emotions are presented as a fundamental part of the human experience, indicating that the ability to feel is a sign of life and vitality.
The article encourages self-acceptance and gratitude for one's body, emphasizing that so-called imperfections contribute to one's uniqueness.
The author expresses appreciation for romantic partners, acknowledging their role in personal growth and the sharing of life's journey.
The day lived, regardless of its quality, is portrayed as a gift to be cherished, with the potential for reflection and improvement in the days to come.

17 Things You Should Be Grateful for Today

Find something to be thankful for is easier than you think

I’ve read a post of the Red Cross about the lucky people in the world. People who wake up healthy, have food on the table, aren’t in danger because of wars, or have a roof over the head.

I’m one of those lucky ones.

I have a home, money in my bank account, a lovely family, friends to go out with and have fun.

If you, like me, are one of those lucky people in the world, then you should be grateful for it and these many other things.

Your life

Every day you wake up from your bed is a gift.

Sometimes we don’t realize how lucky we are to live another day with the people we love.

We curse our job because we don’t earn enough, we fight with our partner for stupid things and swear on the road to the supermarket because the elder in the car in front of us is going to slow.

Start your tomorrow being grateful for just being alive.

Your food on the table

Breakfast time! If you have food on your table every day at every meal and never suffered from starvation, you probably won’t be one of the 9 million people who die of hunger every year.

Now that you know this, you can be more careful about the quantity of food you buy every day to feed yourself and your family.

Buy only the food you need, don’t be picky and appreciate every meal ends on your plate.

Your bottle of drinkable water

785 million people — 1 in 9 — lack access to safe water.

Don’t waste your water. Enjoy the fresh potable water that comes out of your tap.

Drink every drop of water stored inside the plastic bottle you buy at the convenience store and recycle them using the proper trash can.

Your home and its comforts

I suppose you live in a house, or you have a roof over your head, at least. A safe place where to crush at night with clean bed linens.

Maybe, you have a television and a computer or a smartphone. You also have electricity, water, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

Accordingly, with the Red Cross statement, you are richer than 75% of the people of this world. Me too.

Isn’t it a great thing to be grateful for?

Some days the electricity goes off due to maintenance work, and I feel lost. I can’t flush the toilet, I cant switch on my computer and work or enjoy my favorite tv show.

I’m truly grateful to have electricity and clean water to take a nice bath during hot days in August.

Your family and friends

Even lonely wolves sometimes need a pack.

Your family can be a mess, you might be fighting all day with your siblings, but eventually, they are present for you when it matters the most.

Seldom, your friends are your family.

No matter if your parents are still alive or they passed away, some friends can understand you better than your own blood.

Your health

Every year, the American Cancer Society estimates how many cancer cases should be expected within the United States’ solo territory. For 2020, the number is 1,806,590.

If you are healthy, don’t have a chronic, degenerative or rare disease but just an annoying flue, be grateful for that.

You can live a full and healthy life, don’t waste it by poisoning yourself!

Your job

Does your job suck? Are you trying to do your best to get a better job?

Whatever work you are doing right now, be grateful for it because it brings food to your table, clothes to wear, and pays the bills.

Do you best at work every day, even if your boss is a jerk, and the pay is low. Fight hard to find a better job and improve your situation.

In the meanwhile, stay positive and good things will come your way.

Your failures

“Nobody is born learned,” says my mom every time I do something new and regularly mess it up.

To fail to do something is the best way to learn how to do it properly, or you know how not to do it!

Do things your way and get it wrong hurts more than everything, you won’t forget it, and next time you end up in the same situation, you will know how to handle it.

Your wins

Aren’t wins the best reason to be grateful?

You worked hard between sweat and tears to get to your goals, now you reached it, and it’s time to celebrate!

Take time to appreciate victories and go through everything you did to get to it.

Your courage and strenght

Sometimes it is hard to keep going to pursue a dream.

How many times have you thought about quitting?

Then, something inside you told you not to, to push harder and be strong no matter what was happening.

Be grateful to be a strong and courageous person capable of great things, even if they are scary or new.

Your freedom

Can you believe that slavery still exists today?

40 million slaves worldwide are forced to do something against their will, from work to sex and combined marriage.

Some of those people are children.

Are you free to decide what to do today? What to eat, who you can speak with and the topic, how to get dressed and who you can marry?

Freedom isn’t granted in many countries.

Your rivals

Competing with someone can boost your motivation and push you to do the best you can.

Rivals are also a great source of inspiration! Learn from their success and their failure to be a better person, worker, or lover.

Keep competition honest and fair, don’t use tricks to damage your competitors but join forces if necessary to achieve a common goal.

Your teachers

Teachers have a significant impact on the life of people of any age.

Mentors are models to follow, and they can change your life both for good or bad.

I fell in love with English thanks to a teacher I hade between the age of 12 and 14. She was very severe but taught me a lot of things, in particular, to appreciate a foreign language.

I’ve also met incompetent teachers, and thanks to them, I could appreciate even more the good ones.

Growing up, we have the luxury of choosing who to learn from, so pick your mentors carefully because they can transform your life!

Your emotions

Some people think emotions make us weak. It is true only if we let our feelings control ourselves.

Be grateful for your emotions, you are alive if you can feel!

Emotions make you live fully, appreciate them even when they bring tears, manage them take back control of your life.

Your body

Nobody has a perfect body. Even a top model will tell you she hates a part of hers. Work out to improve your shape, if you want, otherwise, love it as it is.

What we call imperfections are those distinctive traits that make us unique.

Some people don’t have arms, hands, or legs. Is your body intact? Be grateful for that!

Alex Zanardi is a famous professional racing driver; in 2001, he lost both legs due to an accident during a race. He didn’t give up and started handcycling. Nowadays, he is a paralympic champion who won several gold medals.

Your partner

He/She can be your new lover or a lifetime companion. It doesn’t matter if he/she’s the love of your life or your story is about to end.

Partners are great not only because they can support you, but also teach you something new every day. Who you want or don’t want by your side, overcome a heartbreak, share a goal, and the path to reach it.

The day you just lived

No matter if the day you just lived was great, bad or mediocre.

You lived it!

You get to spend another day with your loved ones and do the things you love.

If today wasn’t a great day, make sure tomorrow is.

What are you grateful for today?

Resources:

https://relevantmagazine.com/current16/8-stats-will-change-way-you-think-about-wealth/