Why we should appreciate life’s simple pleasures!!

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, always striving for something bigger, something better. We often take simple pleasure for granted which makes life worth living. But the truth is, nothing in life is guaranteed, and we should cherish every moment.

Taking things for granted is a natural human tendency. We often get used to the things we have and forget that they were the things we wished very hard for. We forget to appreciate people in our lives, the time we spent together, our experiences with those people, and the things we possess, thinking that they will always be there. But the reality is that life is unpredictable, we never know when, how and what happens and something or someone we cherish will be taken away.

The covid-19 pandemic has been a distinct reminder of this fact. Over the night our lives were turned upside down. The things that we once took for granted- hugging a loved one or going out to a restaurant, roaming around – were no longer possible. The pandemic has taught us that nothing in life is guaranteed, and we should appreciate every moment we have with the people we love and the experiences we enjoy. 

“Appreciate what you have, before it turns into what you had.”

You really do not know how good you have until it’s gone. In relationships, people tend to get too comfortable and carefree. As a result, their relationship becomes boring and complacent. This can lead to infidelity and the destruction of the relationship. Only after the relationship has been ruined does this person realize the terrible, irreversible mistake they have made. At that point, it’s too late; that person failed to realise how fortunate they were and as a result destroyed what they loved.

We take the advantage of the people in our lives, like our friends and family. We make the disastrous mistake of assuming that these people will just be there for us without providing extra effort. A person who is not grateful towards their parents and the people who love them unconditionally is one who has taken their love for granted.

“The things you take for granted, Someone else is praying for.”

Don’t you think we should just be happy we have food on our plates and a roof over our heads? So many people in the world would do anything for these things, I know it sounds so basic but it’s a harsh reality. But we still complain every day that we do not have enough.

So, how can we stop taking things for granted?

Here are some practices which will help you;

1. Practice gratitude:

Make an everyday morning and night ritual to take out a few minutes and pay gratitude for the things and people in our life. Who are valuable and important to you. You can also develop a habit of writing a gratitude journal or diary. So that you can be more aware of positive things in your life which you should value more. By focusing on the positive things in your life, you will start to see the world more positively. 

2. Live in the Moment:

Instead of always thinking about the future or dwelling in the past, try to be present at the moment. Savour the experience you are having right now, whether it’s a meal with a loved one, a walk-in nature, a small coffee date with your partner or nice conversation with your friend or loved one.

3. Connect with Your Loved ones more often:

Spend as much time as you can with the people you care about, and build meaningful relationships. Make sure you are always there for them. It should not be like you are meeting them on your convince only. There should be a two-way relationship. Make sure you make them feel they are your priority and visa-versa. It’s this connection that makes life worth living, and both can help each other and appreciate the simple pleasure that life has to offer.

4. Embrace Imperfection:

Life is messy and imperfect, and that’s okay. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace imperfection. Try to find the beauty behind the bars. Do not judge or do not try to change someone. If your loved ones have some flaws accept them and try to find the positive characteristics in them and appreciate them rather than be judgmental. 

5. Give Back:

The joy of giving is the best feeling. If you haven’t tried it yet then my friend must do it now. Helping and giving to others can be a powerful reminder of the good things in our own lives. By volunteering or doing something kind for someone else, we can gain a new perspective on our life. The joy of giving, helping others, and appreciating small things in our life can be small pleasures that we often take for granted.

Life is too short to waste time thinking about what we do not have. We obviously can survive without them; we have already made it this far. Things do not make us happy, it’s how we feel for that thing within ourselves that really matters. The things that truly provide happiness are usually right in front of us. We just need to continuously remind ourselves where we would be without them.

Life is a precious gift, and we should cherish every moment we have. We should be grateful for the people in our lives, the good and bad times we have had, and the things we possess. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the world around us, and remember that every moment is a gift.