In a fast-paced, chaotic environment, it might be hard to smile and be appreciative. However, even in difficult circumstances, there are things to be thankful for.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more,” advised the great Oprah Winfrey. Focusing on what you don’t have will never be enough.” It’s true. Reflecting on our blessings brings calm and pleasure.
A pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict wreaked havoc on our earth in 2022. These occurrences taught us to appreciate life’s tiny things. Even amid turmoil, it’s time to enjoy what we have.
This blog article discusses eight things to be thankful for. We’ll discuss why people don’t appreciate them and why doing so is important. We’ll remind you of your benefits, from financial security to shelter.
So breathe, smile, and join us on this appreciation trip. Let’s discover what makes us happy and reminds us of the world’s goodness. “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer,” stated Maya Angelou.
With that said, let’s get started and remember that every one of us can be grateful about something!
Having a Roof Over Your Head
The basic things in life become more meaningful as you age. Having a roof is one. In today’s hectic world, it’s easy to overlook how blessed you are to have a secure and pleasant house.
Taking shelter for granted is one way individuals forget to be thankful. Life’s daily grind might make you forget the basics. We don’t consider life without a home because we presume we’ll always have one.
Our society’s concentration on materialism and external affirmation makes many not perceive having a roof over their head as a luxury. Images of luxury houses, automobiles, and holidays are everywhere. We forget that having a secure and pleasant house is what makes us happy and successful.
In 2016, the Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that persons who were appreciative for fundamental requirements like a roof had better life satisfaction and happiness. The research also revealed that material thankfulness did not have the same impact.
While contemplating your life and what you’re thankful for, cherish your home. Be grateful for this luxury and safety since not everyone has it. Prioritize health, relationships, and home before material stuff. That may make you happier.
A Great Community
Many individuals take their safe, excellent neighborhoods for granted. Think about it: you enjoy an accepting and supportive environment – something other cultures don’t even dream of! In today’s hectic world, it’s easy to overlook how blessed you are to live in a nice, safe neighborhood.
Desensitization makes individuals forget to feel appreciative for living in a nice, safe neighborhood. After living in a secure place for a while, it’s easy to forget about the risks elsewhere. You may tend to assume your safety and security will always be there.
Since contemporary culture focuses on individual success and performance, individuals don’t perceive living in a healthy, safe neighborhood as a luxury. Success, riches, and prestige are continually touted. Hence, we may miss the value of a supportive community.
A 2014 Journal of Community Psychology research indicated that community connections increased life satisfaction and happiness. The research also indicated that community membership increased good behavior and community contribution.
When you reflect on your life and gratitude, cherish your community. Be grateful for your community’s feeling of belonging and support since not everyone has one. Focus on meaningful relationships and community-building activities. That may make you happier.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Mindful Exercises for Happy Retirement Days
Financial Stability
Today’s culture overlooks financial security. As you age, you realize how financial stability affects your quality of life. But contemporary culture bombards us with messages to seek for riches and material stuff, making it easy to forget to be thankful for financial security.
Since our culture idolizes wealth, many forget to be thankful for financial security. Luxury lives and the idea that money equals achievement are regularly portrayed. So, we may ignore the reality that financial stability and enough money to meet our basic requirements and a little more is a gifts.
A 2018 Journal of Happiness Research study linked financial stability to life satisfaction. The research indicated that consistent income and financial stability increased life satisfaction and happiness. Financial stability reduced stress and anxiety, the study showed.
Thus, when you think about what you’re thankful for, appreciate your financial security. Be grateful that you can meet your necessities and have a little more. Focus on things money can’t buy, like family, health, and simple pleasures. That may make you happier.
Technology and Modern Conveniences
Today, we use technology for practically everything. Technology has improved our lives in appliances, vehicles, and cell phones. However, many undeveloped societies lack these contemporary comforts. As an American over 50, you’ve seen technology grow rapidly, but not everyone has.
We take contemporary technologies for granted. Air conditioners, refrigerators, and washers are simple to take for granted. We forget that these conveniences were unheard of not long ago, and people did things old-fashioned. These essential technologies are still unavailable in certain countries.
A 2018 Computers in Human Behavior research indicated that technology users were happier and more satisfied. Technology usage also improved social ties and well-being. This research emphasizes technology’s benefits without explicitly addressing thankfulness.
When you use your phone, air conditioner, or automobile, be thankful for technology’s comfort and ease. Remember that not everyone has these contemporary comforts, and technology has considerably enhanced our quality of life. Being thankful for technology might help you appreciate its advantages more.
Nature and the Environment
As an American over 50, you’ve probably seen nature’s beauty, but it’s easy to overlook. In our hectic lives, we forget to enjoy nature. We forget to glance up and observe our environment in our everyday activities.
Nature has been demonstrated to improve our health. In 2019, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported that 20 minutes in nature reduces stress. Nature improves mood, cognition, and well-being, according to the research.
It’s easy to appreciate nature. Walking about your neighborhood, resting in a park, or even simply staring out your window at the trees may help. It may also make us feel more connected to the world and acknowledge how lucky we are.
Next time you go outdoors or peek out your window, admire nature’s beauty. Remember its health benefits and be thankful for the opportunity to experience it. And if you’re still throwing garbage in random places or taking actions that hurt the environment, think twice! Our grandkids may not be able to enjoy nature like we still do.
Your Takeaway
That’s it, 50+ Americans! This blog article should remind you of your blessings. It’s easy to overlook our advantages in the daily grind.
As we’ve discussed, we should be happy for a roof over our heads, a healthy community, financial security, technology, beautiful nature, good health, helpful relationships, and the small things that make life joyful.
Remember, appreciation goes beyond expressing “thank you” for kindness. It’s about enjoying the little things in life – the ones we often take for granted.
When you’re down, think about your family, friends, home, and even technology. These things make life worthwhile, trust me!
Let’s practice appreciation every day in 2023. Appreciate what we have and enjoy the simple things. We must make the most of life’s journey. Keep smiling, be grateful, and remember that even in the darkest moments, there’s always something to be thankful for.
