Gratitude
2-4 minute read
If you’re reading this, then you probably have a few things that you take for granted. Let us both take a few moments to recognize and appreciate the marvels of the modern world that we are so fortunate to live in.
Never before have we had the resources to live so freely, with such bounty and ease. Even when we were able to drive to a grocery store, or pick up a phone and order a pizza, we now have 24 hour delivery services from the likes of Uber Eats, never-closing gas stations, and fast food restaurants.
Even when we had access to incredible knowledge through libraries and encyclopedias; it pales in comparison to the ease and quickness of the vast information network that is the Internet.
Even when we finally had the ability to immortalize moments via a video recorder or camera; we now have the capabilities to record stunning 4K video and super slow motion with us at all times. The very same device that you’re likely reading this on, the very same device that allows you to gain access to infinite amounts of the aforementioned knowledge, food, unlimtted entertainment, and limitless communication.
Even when we could connect with loved ones through letters, visits, and eventually telephone calls; nothing quite connects us like video calls. Small moments shared via Snapchat or Instagram can provide so much depth in nothing more than a fleeting story.
Even when we were able to store data on drives, from Floppy to Hard Disk; we now no longer need to burden ourselves with physical accessories. Each action is immediately and forever stored in a magical cloud that we can call down at any moment.
We live in a world where waste is not only normal, but abundant. We live in a world where if something isn’t working right — or better yet, if it is working but we’re tired or bored with it — we simply replace it with a newer, sexier version.
It is important in this day of instant and continuous gratification that we take a moment (or perhaps more) and appreciate everything that we are so fortunate to have. Do not be fooled, even if you consider yourself not to be fortunate because your neighbour or friend has more, or newer, or faster things than you. We live in a truly magical period of time. All of us.
While it’s hard to ignore the war and death we hear and see all around us, this is indeed the most peaceful time in human history. Do not take what we have at our disposal for granted. To do so, simply take a moment or two to appreciate our fortune; whether it’s meditation, sitting outside, or allowing yourself to be awe-struck from the devices we rely so heavily upon. The next time you Google something, take a moment and think about what goes on behind the scenes to make that happen (if you’re not sure, Google it!), it’s truly remarkable.
Finally, there is one thing that transcends time, technology, peace, and war. And that is us. Friends, family, our beautiful planet. If it’s even slightly meaningful to appreciate the incredible tools we use on a day-to-day basis, then it is exceedingly so to appreciate those out there that care for us, and those that we care for. To appreciate the fact that we are actually alive and conscious, that we can look at nature surrounding us and appreciate it’s beauty. That, to me, is the magic of being alive. Don’t get lost in the craziness of life and forget that you’re even living to begin with.