appreciate what I have

I went on a field trip today for part of my course to a botanic garden, and I am really glad to be part of such a beautiful world. I mean, it’s not that I don’t normally appreciate a garden, but I was particularly aware of how the flowers were in bloom and the day was fine. The diversity of flowers and trees amazes me still; some of the species I saw today were several hundred million years old. The length of time man has been on earth doesn’t even cast a shadow on that. It’s not that I haven’t appreciated the smell and beauty of flowers before, but I suppose I am reminded of how they make the world that much more colourful and glorious to be apart of.

They’ve always supported me in whatever it is I undertake, and have full faith in my abilities, to the point that I mostly try not to fail so I won’t disappoint them and have them lose that confidence in me. Still, I’m glad I have such kind and providing parents. They’ve never forced me to do anything I don’t like, which is something I am truly grateful for. I’ve seen how some of my friends’ parents can be – downright pushy, sometimes, as if they’re living their lives through what their kids do – and I’m glad I was born to my mum and dad.

I remember now why Spring is my favourite time of year. Sometimes Winter has a way of making you forget what it was like to see the world green and fresh again or that the sun would come back for longer. I love the way the days are getting longer, and warmer. So what if the early mornings mean I can’t sleep in as late anymore? Everything’s growing again. Today I actually saw flowers in bloom and became more aware of the birds singing outside my window. I used to miss that in Winter. I’m so glad it’s back.

As I’ve been trying to appreciate the things I am lucky to have in my life, I’ve found my desires have been numbed. Not so much reduced. I’m human, after all, and if I see something nice I’ll probably want it as much as the next person. But of late, I have noticed how much I’d shrug and think I’m not worse off for not having it.

She can drive me up the wall sometimes, but I do love her to bits. She’s just come home from America and although she was only gone a week, I realised just how much I missed her while she was away. It’s strange how much my appreciation of the people I care about can escalate when I’m separated from them.

I’m feeling very grateful for my intelligence today – not trying to brag, or anything even though it could be easily misconstrued that way. I got my exam results back just last week and I haven’t felt this pleased in weeks. I not only passed, but with 1st class honours so I’m really glad all that hard work paid off!

I find I’m appreciating music more. Typing this and reading back over it I really must sound very strange, but lately I’ve just found so much enjoyment out of listening to music, as simple a pleasure as it may seem. It makes me want to learn to play an instrument.

The fact I’ve a roof over my head and bed to sleep in at night. This isn’t something I’ve taken for granted, ever, but after seeing how bad homelessness is getting, I really can say honestly I’m grateful for my home.

My sense of sight. At least, I’m a lot more conscious of it lately – I’ve had to see an optician last week, and while my sight isn’t 20/20 I’m glad I have the ability to see.

I’ve decided, at the end of each day, I’m going to say just one thing I’m truly grateful for and reflect on it. It may be something very simple, even trivial to others, but I think it’s better to work on this goal in small steps. Today, I think I appreciate my good health.