3 Things I’m Grateful for Today
Finding Gratitude in Life’s Challenges
One time, I had an emotional breakdown. It was a dark chapter in my life when I thought I had lost it all. Nothing looked good. Nothing seemed to be working. It felt like everyone around me was winning, and I was losing. Man, it was a crazy feeling.
Looking back now, I realize that was a moment of ungratefulness. It stemmed from a narrow view of my financial situation, comparing myself to others I saw as benchmarks for success. Even though I didn’t have a fat bank account, I never starved. Even though there were days I had to walk long distances because of limited resources, I always found a way to make ends meet.
Nowadays, I don’t measure my life by vanity metrics anymore. I understand now that I am my competition, and it’s a win if I can become better than I was the day before.
It’s 4 am, and I’m sitting here at my desk with a cup of tea. Looking at my life at this moment, I can say there are three things I am grateful for.
I am grateful for Life.
Since becoming independent, I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ve tasted hunger, been broke, broken, and made money. I’ve been celebrated and berated, mocked and praised. Through it all, I’ve lived a good life, and I’m grateful for that. I’m thankful for the journey so far and for the one that lies ahead.
I am grateful for Family.
God blessed me with a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter. They bring so much joy and happiness into my life. Before them, I considered myself a loner. I enjoyed my own company, content with internet access, food, and some money. I thought that was the life — until these two beautiful souls entered my world. Now, I can’t imagine a day without them.
I am grateful for Good Health.
Doctors often attribute my good health to my genotype and blood group. I rarely fall ill and can go a year or two without anything more than a mild headache. Even when I feel weak, my immune system bounces back quickly. While I do take care of my health with regular checkups and a mindful diet, I know my good health is something to be thankful for.
There’s much more to be grateful for, but these three things — life, family, and good health — are the core. Everything else in my life is a subset of these blessings.
What are you grateful for?
