Things You Should Stop Taking For Granted

Unfortunately, taking things for granted is a common human tendency. We become so accustomed to the things we already have in our lives and begin to assume that they will always be there without recognizing their true value. So, we may not fully appreciate them until they are no longer available to us. For example, we may not realize how important our health is until we become sick, or we may not recognize the value of someone we love until we experience a loss.

To combat this tendency, it is important to practice gratitude and mindfulness. This involves recognizing and appreciating the things we already have in our lives and being mindful of our thoughts and behaviors, and making a conscious effort to appreciate the present moment rather than only focusing on the past or future.

We have absolutely no guarantee for tomorrow, so it’s important to reflect on the good things we have and show our appreciation for them.


Some of the (many) things we should stop taking for granted: 

  • Quality time with family and friends
  • Hugs
  • Sunny weather
  • A new day
  • Good books
  • Going on holiday and making memories
  • Laughing
  • Eating at a restaurant
  • Smiling at others
  • Drinking a hot beverage on a cold winter day
  • A good night’s sleep
  • A fridge full of food
  • Your health
  • Going to the cinema
  • Sound of the birds shipping in the morning
  • The future and all of the wonderful things that are coming
  • Your time, and making the most of each moment
  • Music
  • Support from others
  • Having a bed to sleep on and a roof over your head
  • Hot water
  • Clean clothes to wear
  • Having a job
  • Running for errands
  • Your education
  • Watching the sunset or the sunrise
  • Taking a deep breath
  • Technology
  • Electricity
  • Rainy cozy days
  • Falling in love
  • Pets
  • Flowers blooming
  • Clean bedsheets
  • Watching live music
  • Trying new foods
  • This present moment
  • You.

Here are some tips on how to stop taking things for granted:

  • Practice gratitude: make a list of three things you are grateful for every single day after you wake up or before bed. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and appreciate the people, things, and experiences that you already have.
  • Be more mindful: start paying more attention to your thoughts and feelings, and notice when you are taking things for granted. When you catch yourself doing so, shift your focus to the present moment. Take time to reflect on your life, values, and priorities. This can help you recognize what is truly important to you and appreciate it more fully.
  • Disconnect from technology sometimes: ditch your phone, or computer, and take time to appreciate the world around you. Go for a walk, spend time with loved ones, or try a new hobby.
  • Help others/be kind: helping others and overall being kind and nice can help you appreciate what you have and gain perspective on your own life.

Thinking about all these things we usually take for granted really put things into perspective, and I hope you can find the power and strength to create a list of your own.

These will help you to see with more clarity and appreciation for the great things you’re lucky to have.

What are you most grateful for? Let me know in the comments! ❤

19 Replies to “Things You Should Stop Taking For Granted”

  1. Really grateful for all you’re doing for us Kati, keep going! 🩷

    1. Toria Chinaza says: Reply

      Wow. This really nice and I’m grateful you took your time to help us stay conscious about things we shouldn’t take for granted. Thank you.
      I’m definitely grateful for every moment of my life, everything I’ve been privileged to have and the people around me and the beauty of nature😊🥰. I’m grateful for everything.

  2. A simple thing I’m always grateful for is how good my bed feels, and how good I feel when I put my pj’s on and get into my bed, how no one is going to disturb me in my bed or my home and how easy it is to sink deeply into my soft pillows, into a good night’s sleep. I relish the feeling of having just put fresh sheets on my bed and how wonderful they smell! I always say a final goodnight in the dark silence to my dog, Mojo and each of my 2 kitties, Novio and Azul, mmmm.

    1. Really it’s my first time to read your blog, it’s totally worth and motivating.

  3. Iris Ingram says: Reply

    I’m thankful for running water, 💦 friends, my job & my health. I’m thankful for my house & yard, too, even though I sometimes complain that the house is too small. 😄

  4. This is the best blog I’ve ever read. Personally, when the pandemonium struck, I had a lot of time in my hand and I decided that I’ll use it in the most consistent and constructive way that is by continuously acquiring knowledge. I was a average student. It was pretty difficult for me to get up and start off. In the journey, there were definite ups and downs. I remember a point where I thought to just give up and return back to that same old average life guided by the rules of society. But then the WHY of my goal asked me whether my statement had any real sense or just false words. That made me want to do it more. Because now my mind was refocused to pay attention to my improvements and just be the better version of me everyday. That’s it. And I’m so grateful that I didn’t give up.

    1. Peace myyirya Olatoye says: Reply

      Am grateful for the gift of life, am to God for my darling hubby and kids, and of course am grateful for having a bed to lay on after a stressful day.

  5. I feel like I’m just grateful for everything, be it good or bad, I just know it’s all part of learning

  6. Every day I am grateful that I have a job, an amazing husband, great children, that I am able to exercise, dress myself, paint my nails and have a full head of hair and great books with my house and dogs and cat. I’m beyond blessed

  7. I’m grateful for my daughter and the fact that I am alive and kicking, also for the relationship I have with the father of my daughter.

  8. Heyy.
    Thank you for this beautiful blog…. I am really very grateful for everything I deserve…

    1. Im grateful for my parents, for my health for everything life has put me into. Thank God for life too

  9. I am grateful for my cat, my best friend, my job, and many other things. I’m not sure how I would live without them.

  10. Thank you for this info

  11. I抳e recently started a web site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

    1. Inspiring article. Thanks a lot. Makes us feel a lot better.

  12. Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  13. I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

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