Life has a funny way of surprising us.

One moment we’re sailing smoothly, and the next, we’re thrown a curveball we didn’t see coming. And it’s usually during those curveball moments that we realize just how much we’ve been taking certain things for granted.

According to psychology, there are seven things in life that we often overlook, but really shouldn’t. I’m going to share these with you, not to make you feel guilty, but to help you appreciate what you’ve got.

By the end of this article, I hope you’ll have a fresh perspective and maybe even start recognizing those little blessings that make life worth living. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the 7 things in life you should really stop taking for granted.

Let’s get started!

1) Your health

Health is often one of those things that we don’t think about until it’s gone. When we’re young, we can bounce back from anything. But as we age, we start to realize just how fragile our health can be.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, to prioritize work, social engagements, or even a new episode of our favorite TV show over regular exercise or a balanced diet. But, according to psychology, this is a mistake.

If you want to stop taking your health for granted, you need to become more aware of it. Invest time in understanding your body. Listen to it. Respect it.

After all, it’s the only one we’ve got. So let’s show it some love and give it the care it deserves.

2) Time

I remember a time when I thought I had all the time in the world. I would procrastinate, put things off, and tell myself “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that time is one of the most precious resources we have.

When we stop taking time for granted and start using it wisely, we can reduce our stress levels significantly.

Many years ago, I missed out on a family gathering because I was too busy with work. I told myself that there would be other gatherings, other opportunities.

But a few months later, my grandmother passed away. That gathering was the last chance I had to see her, and I missed it because I took time for granted.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson – we never know how much time we have left. So let’s make the most of it while we can. Let’s spend it with the people we love, doing the things we love. Let’s stop taking time for granted.

3) Relationships

Do you ever find yourself prioritizing your work or hobbies over your relationships?

I know I’ve been guilty of this. We often assume that our loved ones will always be there, but the truth is, relationships require effort, time, and commitment to thrive.

There was a time when I took my loved ones for granted. I would cancel plans, forget birthdays, and generally fail to show up when it mattered. And then one day, I woke up to an empty house and a heavy heart.

I realized that in my pursuit of success and fulfillment, I had neglected the most important aspect of my life – my relationships with the people who cared about me.

That’s when I decided to make amends. To stop taking my relationships for granted, and to start showing up for my loved ones.

It wasn’t easy, and it took time. But it was worth it.

Remember, relationships are like gardens; they need to be nurtured and cared for in order to flourish. Don’t take them for granted.

4) The ability to learn

We live in an era where information is at our fingertips. We can learn virtually anything, from a new language to how to fix a leaking tap, all with a few taps on our smartphone.

Yet, many of us take this ability to learn for granted. We stop learning new things because we’re “too busy” or because we believe that we’re “too old.”

But according to a study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, lifelong learning can help keep our brains healthy and sharp as we age.

The study found that adults who engaged in lifelong learning activities had better memory performance and problem-solving abilities compared to those who didn’t.

This study underlines the importance of continuous learning in maintaining cognitive health. But beyond that, learning opens up new possibilities, enriches our lives, and helps us grow as individuals.

Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading a book, or taking an online course, let’s not take our ability to learn for granted. Let’s embrace it and make the most of it.

5) Our senses

Have you ever stopped to think how much we rely on our senses? Sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing – they’re the gateways to our experiences of the world. Yet, we often take them for granted.

I remember a time when I lost my sense of taste due to a severe flu. For a week, everything tasted like cardboard. It was during this time that I truly appreciated the joy of tasting my favorite foods.

As the psychologist Daniel Goleman said, “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands.”

In essence, our senses allow us to expand our world by focusing on everything around us – the beauty of a sunrise, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the feel of a soft blanket against our skin.

6) Failure

Failure. It’s a word that often brings about feelings of shame, embarrassment, or regret. But what if I told you that failure is something we should stop taking for granted?

I know it sounds counterintuitive. After all, who wants to fail? But the truth is, failure is an integral part of our growth and development. It’s through our failures that we learn, adapt and become stronger.

If we live our lives in fear of failure, never taking risks or trying new things, what kind of example are we setting for the younger generation?

Our failures are not just learning experiences for us. They can also serve as valuable lessons for those around us.

The next time you experience failure, instead of feeling defeated or embarrassed, embrace it. Appreciate it for the lesson it’s providing and use it as a stepping stone towards your next success. After all, every failure brings us one step closer to success.

7) The present moment

How often do we spend our days lost in thoughts of the past or the future, completely missing out on the present moment?

Psychologist and mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”

We need to stop taking the present moment for granted. Each moment is unique and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

So let’s make a conscious effort to experience and appreciate the present, for it truly is a gift.

Wrapping it up

We’ve taken a journey through some aspects of life that we often overlook, but which are essential to our overall well-being.

From our health and the preciousness of time, to the strength of our relationships, the joy of learning, the wonder of our senses, the value of failure and the gift of the present moment – these are all facets of life we should stop taking for granted.

As you navigate your way through life’s ups and downs, may this awareness serve as a gentle reminder to pause, appreciate, and cherish these aspects. After all, they are what make life so beautiful and meaningful.

It’s not about achieving perfection, but about cultivating an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for what we have.

So take a moment today to reflect. What aspects of your life have you been taking for granted? And more importantly, what steps can you take to start appreciating them more?