Practicing gratitude

Life can be overwhelming at times. There’s so much to accomplish, so many places to be. So many desires and even more distractions.

And when you finally reach that moment, the moment when you’ve made it, when you get exactly what you asked for; you shift the goalpost and find yourself on the hedonic treadmill once again.

I don’t think there’s an escape. So while your long bucket list is largely unchecked, we can at least take a moment to reflect on the things that are already present, making our lives better.

Here’s a list of 101 things to be grateful for:

1. This moment.

2. Sunny winter afternoon.

3. Cruising through the low Sunday traffic.

4. That beautiful neighborhood cafe.

5. A cozy cup of coffee.

6. Some space, that little corner that’s just yours.

7. Energy to pursue a hobby.

8. Memories you can cherish.

9. To have something to look forward to, the bucket list itself.

10. All the accomplishments, all the desires fulfilled so far.

11. Work that adds value to your life, and others’.

12. Your city, that works non-stop towards your comfort.

13. A community that shares similar interests.

14. A place you can call home.

15. Your loved ones are here with you.

16. The friend you can call at 3 AM.

17. Your grandparents are alive.

18. Warm water on those chilly mornings.

19. A perfectly functioning body.

20. Education, to be able to understand the world.

21. Ability to speak English.

22. The freedom to be here and now, without anyone’s permission.

23. You’re not sick right now.

24. You don’t have to think about your next meal, or tomorrow’s, or next month’s groceries.

25. You have disposable income.

26. Ability to make a donation, big or small.

27. Entertainment — movies, video games, social media.

28. You have a child or a nephew/niece who brightens up your day no matter how it was going earlier.

29. You are treated with respect.

30. You live in a clean environment.

31. Eight hours of sleep.

32. A smartphone, your connection to the entire world.

33. Access to the most impressive pieces of art ever created, in the form of internet.

34. A means of transport that takes you further than the richest of men from the past century.

35. Infinite nature of today’s world. Unlimited food, water, electricity, internet, entertainment, pleasure, etc.

36. All the years that passed, that brought you to this point in time, that shaped who you are today.

37. All the years that lie ahead of you, full of surprises, waiting for you to arrive.

38. All the struggles you’ve overcome.

39. The times you’ve cried, letting it all out.

40. The discomforts that catalyzed the big changes in life.

41. Every time you changed your mind.

42. Every time you made it to the finish line.

43. Every chance you got to wipe the slate clean and start anew.

44. Every flake of inspiration that gets you moving.

45. You’ve outgrown your past self.

46. You have found your path.

47. You are open to possibilities.

48. You can make rational decisions.

49. You can value your emotions.

50. Feminine energy, that embraces reality for what it is.

51. Masculine energy, that changes your reality.

52. You know what loss means.

53. You know the feeling of awe.

54. You can see colors.

55. You can smell fragrance.

56. You know the taste of pizza.

57. You’ve been in love.

58. Times when you were extremely tired physically, yet extremely energetic mentally.

59. The moments of excitement.

60. The moments of calmness.

61. The moments of epiphany.

62. The moments of letting go.

63. The moments of laughter.

64. The moments of living in the moment.

65. 7 AM Chai.

66. Watching a movie in the theatre.

67. Playing Cricket or Badminton or any sport.

68. Waterpark rides.

69. Midday naps.

70. Those never-ending, late night conversations.

71. Waking up with the day all figured out.

72. Waking up with no plans at all.

73. The novelty of this new city.

74. The nostalgia of your hometown.

75. Curiosity.

76. Music.

77. Long walks.

78. Tight hugs.

79. All the smiles exchanged.

80. Dew drops on grass.

81. Flowers.

82. Beauty.

83. Ability to love.

84. Ability to feel love.

85. Someone you care for.

86. Someone who inspires you.

87. Something that inspires you.

88. Your inner voice that guides you through the ups and downs.

89. Your inner child that shows up occasionally.

90. You have something to say.

91. There’s someone who genuinely listens to you.

92. Someone you can depend on.

93. Someone who depends on you.

94. Each time someone or something gave you comfort amidst chaos.

95. You have a sense of security — nothing much can go wrong.

96. You know your likes and dislikes.

97. You have a passion for something.

98. The choices you’ve made.

99. Those serendipitous events you didn’t expect.

100. The fact that you have time to read this.

101. Tomorrow.

Thank you for reading! I hope you could resonate with some of the things I mentioned.

What are you most grateful for? Let me know by replying to this email.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Aachman