Why We Might Have Already Hit the Jackpot of Life

Gratitude brings abundance. Focusing on what you lack will always leave you feeling unsatisfied. ~Oprah Winfrey

From time to time, I encounter instances of what I can only label as “pure bliss.”

It feels as though a refreshing wave of tranquility sweeps through me, temporarily washing away my concerns, tension, and problems. Recently, I had a truly remarkable experience.

You might be wondering what led to my current state of mind.

Prepare to be amazed by the truth.

My outer reality was quite disappointing.

As I made my way back home, I had just finished shopping at the supermarket.

This is not exactly the ideal scenario for experiencing complete happiness.

Maybe you pictured me sitting cross-legged, wearing silk robes, and meditating on a mountain.

Or maybe looking up at the shimmering galaxy on a cloudless night.

Nope, just a regular person walking home with the groceries.

Under the warm late spring sun, I couldn’t help but express my gratitude, feeling fortunate.

Even though everything seemed normal on the surface, my mind was filled with a calm flow of thoughts, creating a profound sense of gratitude within me.

I enjoyed the vibrant green forest that was visible in the distance.

I enjoyed the experience of walking.

I was grateful for having food.

I was grateful to have a place to come back to.

I truly valued my existence and all the experiences that came with it.

Reflecting on this experience has me wondering why such moments are so uncommon.

What prevents me (and others) from accessing this state of bliss more frequently?

My response, my reality, is this: the disease of more.

We often dedicate a significant amount of our time to concentrating on what is missing in our lives. Our main focus is on achieving greater success in all aspects of life. When we concentrate on adding more, we often overlook what we already have. It’s all within our power. Everything we possess at this moment.

Similar to a donkey chasing a carrot on a stick, our fixation on distant goals can prevent us from seeing what is right in front of us.

Imagine how fortunate we are in so many aspects of life.

What if finding happiness meant valuing the carrots we already possess instead of constantly seeking more?

It can be difficult to notice and value the small things when facing trauma, tragedy, or hardship. It seems that many of us overlook these blessings because we are too focused on what we desire but lack.

Researching each of the things I celebrated on this day has deepened my appreciation. By sharing my personal story, I aim to inspire others to recognize the abundance in their own lives.

1. I value my senses.
My apartment overlooks a forest, and even though I pass by it daily, its beauty truly mesmerized me on my way home today. The various hues of the green trees and the immense size of the forest as it looms over the houses in the village are truly breathtaking.

It has become clear to me how frequently I overlook the value of my eyesight. Based on data collection from 2010, approximately 39 million individuals globally are blind, and 246 million have low vision.

Besides hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting, there are really fifteen other senses that humans possess. These encompass a feeling of equilibrium, a perception of warmth, and an awareness of the passage of time. And every single one is truly worth admiring.

I value my body.
I once received valuable advice from a friend who suggested that changing ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to’ can instantly increase feelings of appreciation. The initial adjustment I made had a significant impact.

Recently, I was feeling a bit annoyed about having to walk across town to meet with a client. Recalling my friend’s suggestion, I reframed the narrative in my mind from “Ergh, I have to walk across town” to “I get to walk across town.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up in surprise at the newfound gratitude I had for my legs. Ever since, I’ve stopped grumbling about having to walk to different locations. Having a healthy body is a precious privilege that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience.

3. I am grateful for having food to eat.
The daily subsistence level of almost three billion people—nearly half of the global population—is below $2.50. Over 1.3 billion people live in conditions of extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.25 a day.

I didn’t have a problem lugging the heavy shopping bags back home. To be completely candid, there have been occasions when I’ve expressed dissatisfaction. This is such a first-world problem! I’ve come to appreciate the convenience of having a nearby supermarket with easy access to food and the ability to afford it.

4. I am grateful for having a place to live.
The United Nations reported that 100 million people worldwide were homeless during its most recent global survey in 2005. Approximately 1.6 billion individuals did not have sufficient housing (Habitat, 2015).

When I came across this statistic, it completely amazed me. Visualizing a million individuals is already challenging, not to mention 100 million. We often fantasize about owning a larger home. For numerous individuals, our current living space could easily be seen as a luxurious palace.

5. I am grateful for the gift of life.
Upon my return from shopping, I found myself filled with gratitude for the gift of life.

Scientists have calculated that the chances of any individual being born are approximately one in 400 trillion.

Take a second to consider that figure. Allow it to fully absorb.

It’s quite remarkable that you are here at this moment, reading this, as so many factors had to align just right. The fact that your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents crossed paths at the precise moment they did is just scratching the surface.

Indeed, you are currently present. It is your eyes that allow you to read this. At the same time, your respiration and heart rate are controlled by your autonomic nervous system, which operates independently of your conscious mind.

There is endless potential for us to enjoy if we stay observant. Here are some of the things I recently celebrated. I am grateful for the chance to share them.