An unfortunate and harsh reality of life is that we never seem to realize what we have until it is taken away from us. This goes for people, opportunities, privileges, and more alike. We never feel the weight of importance that things hold in our lives while they are there as compared to when they are gone.
Once They’re Gone
It is so easy to take things for granted. We unintentionally categorize aspects of our lives as things that we never have to imagine living without. We never think that a health crisis will happen to us until it does. We don’t think about people dying young until we experience it first hand. We don’t think people will break our hearts and leave until they do.
We know these things are important, essential even. We aren’t wishing for them to leave or think that it would not matter if they did, but instead, we just do not consider it as a possibility at all. But it is. Sometimes the things that people never want to and should never have to live without, leave. There is no way to get them back so we are left to find ways to fill the void that was left behind. A void way bigger than we could have imagined would have been left.
Before They’re Gone
It is important to realize the value that these things have in our lives while we still have them. We never truly know if or when they will be taken away. Taking time to reflect and appreciate the “little things,” or aspects of our lives that we neglect to acknowledge their value, can be extremely beneficial. This can include letting people in our lives know how much we appreciate them, making the most of opportunities and experiences that we are given the privilege to have, and even just reflecting on our lives, realities and the pieces that come together to form them.
Tell people you love them. Apply for that internship you don’t think you have a chance at getting. Prioritize finally doing that activity that you’ve been excited about, but putting off because you have been so busy recently. Live and appreciate life in a way that signals you know there may not be a tomorrow. The life you live is a gift, treat it as such!
How do you find ways to appreciate the overlooked valuables in your life? Let us know by mentioning @VALLEYmag on X!
