Be Grateful for the Basics

They’re countless.

Sometimes when I do a gratitude list, I reflect on the conveniences that make my life easier. I’m grateful for everyday basics.

Here are a few out of the many wonderful things in my life that I didn’t have to work hard to acquire:

Indoor plumbing.

Water flows just where it’s needed. Toilets flush, tubs drain, and we can choose when to shut it off when we’re done using it. There’s an abundance of water available where we are right now, a resource not casually overlooked.

Safe, reliable transportation.

My car always starts, my gas peddle works, my AC blows powerful cool air when needed and my heater warms us when it’s cold outside. All the windows go up and down, and my fuel is used as efficiently as possible.

I have tons of space to fit everything I own when we move, and I can park my little short stack of a Honda Fit anywhere. I’m a mean parallel parker.

I have internet access and a cell phone.

This phone I’m typing on can do so much more than make calls.

Although I’m reticent to use it as much as I do, I’m impressed by the functions and immediate availability of information.

I’ve been able to write articles on Medium exclusively on my iPhone, which makes it easier for me to stay accountable.

I say I don’t have time, but here I am writing an extensive gratitude list from my bed at 10pm in my jammies.

And all those pictures! Photography from an iPhone can be quite spectacular.

Phone technology helps me research new cities I want to visit, gives me directions, and provides contact info for pretty much any person or business I want to find.

I can take notes by dictation, and all sorts of other things I might not have yet discovered.

I have shelter.

It’s important that I have an address. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a roof over their head.

I’m safe and dry in the rain and snow. I have a warm bed with cozy blankets.

I have healthy food in my fridge.

I have money to buy all the food I need.

My house runs on electricity. My lights turn on and off with a switch. I can charge batteries and play speakers and make toast.

My autonomic nervous system works.

My heart beats. I’m breathing. I swallow. I digest my food. I have healthy skin, bones, joints and muscles.

I can hear, touch, taste, and see far away clearly with contact lenses or glasses.

I’m able to speak, and can communicate well with words. In 3 languages. My body and mind are pretty amazing.

If you wonder what to put on your gratitude list, stop and look around. Think of the basics. Sit for a moment as you breathe in fresh, clean air.

Aren’t we lucky to have even a few of these things?

Dig deep and you’ll always find something.

Check out my personal blog at gratefulx365.wordpress.com