With another week spent in a bunk bed, it was great to wake up in my own bed, at the weekend, turn the TV on and drink my coffee.
How I missed my routine, the ability to sit up in bed and catch up on the world, whilst sipping my coffee.
I am so grateful for those simple things in my life again, the things I had started to take for granted.
I have previously spent time in fields and tents, getting cold and wet, but not for a while. The bunk beds were a luxury compared to some of the accommodation in the past, but not quite like home!
I suppose that, once we get used to having something, it becomes the norm and nothing special. We take things for granted and don’t really appreciate the impact it has on our lives.
That is, until you lose it.
Have you ever had your boiler break, had a power cut, a car break down or maybe even had a computer crash? Whilst they are all working well, we don’t really appreciate the positive impact these simple, standard things, in our lives, have.
The same goes for the people around you, friends, family and work colleagues, whilst they are present and visible, things are normal and we expect them to do what they have always done – we take things for granted. We can often forget to say “Thank you” or show our appreciation for the input our ‘network’ has on our lives – then it changes.
For whatever reason, they are not there anymore, there is a void where they used to be and we suddenly begin to appreciate everything they did, we start to miss them.
I know I should appreciate my wife, my children, my family and friends more. I should spend more time with certain people and make more of an effort with others. I need to connect more often with people who have helped me, and been there for me, in the past.
When did we get so busy and life become so hectic?
What are, or who are, you taking for granted in your life? Have you shown your appreciation, said “Thank you” or returned a favour?
We are the most connected than we have ever been. With all of our available social media platforms it’s nearly impossible not to communicate. A comment here, a ‘like’ there, possibly a few emojis just for affect. Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and FaceBook (To name a few) means we can touch more friends and build bigger, stronger networks.
But…if I want to appreciate someone – it needs to be real, not virtual and not a text chat. Make it personal and meaningful. It takes effort but it is worth it…
I tend to take my health for granted but suffered all week, last week, with a chest infection and cough. I’m feeling better each day, but it has certainly made me appreciate all the times I have been healthy – now!
This week should be ‘appreciation week’ – tell everyone how much you appreciate them. Write them a card or buy them a bottle of wine or just say “Thank you”
Maybe even write a list of all the things you are grateful for in your life – I think that will help on a Monday morning!