15 Things You Take For Granted

You know, compared to 200 years ago, we live like kings and queens. It's important to refresh your perspective every now and then. Here are 15 things you take for granted. Welcome to LAX.

First up, good health. You know, not very long ago, in the grand scheme of things, we used to live until like 40. And the last few years were pretty rough too. People used to make a bunch of kids in the hopes that maybe one of them would survive past childhood and ideally help to take care of them in their later years. So the fact you didn't get a new PlayStation for Christmas really isn't that life-threatening.

Good health is a priceless asset very often taken for granted. It's the foundation that allows us to pursue our goals, enjoy our lives, and face daily challenges. The importance of health becomes starkly evident when illness strikes. Back in the day, if you got sick, well, it was nice knowing you. Yeah. Now we have apps that measure our sleep quality. There are so many ways to accurately take care of your health, but you fail to take advantage of them because you believe you'll feel like this forever.

We can play sports, travel, and try new things. But it's also about mental health—feeling good, emotionally. It allows us to connect better with others and enjoy life. It's easy to forget how lucky we are to be healthy until we're not. That's why taking care of your health through diet, exercise, and regular checkups is so important. It's the key to a happy and fulfilling life.

Clean water and air. Clean water and air are essential for life. But, you know, we often don't think about them very much, do we? Most of us turn on the tap and expect clean water. We breathe without thinking about the air. But clean water and air are crucial for our health. Drinking water that's not clean will make us sick, and polluted air can cause problems like asthma or emphysema.

And a lot of people in this day and age still struggle to get clean water and live in places with dirty air. This can have a major impact on their health and quality of life. Clean water is needed not just for drinking, but for cooking, cleaning, brushing your teeth, and taking a shower. Breathing clean air is important for our lungs and overall health. We should appreciate and protect these vital resources.

A safe and stable home environment. Having a safe and stable place to live is something many of us take for granted. A home is more than just a shelter. It's where we relax, spend time with family, and make memories. It's our personal space where we feel safe and comfortable. When we've got a stable home, we don't have to worry about where we'll sleep each night or if we'll be safe.

But not everyone has this. For some people, finding a safe place to live is a daily struggle. They might live in areas affected by war, natural disasters, or poverty. Not having a stable home can be stressful and impact every part of your life. A safe home is the foundation for a stable life. It allows us to focus on work, school, and building relationships, and it is not something to take for granted.

Access to education. Education is a powerful tool that opens up doors to opportunities. It helps us to learn new skills, get better jobs, and understand the world. When we are educated, we can make informed decisions and contribute to our communities. But not everyone has access to education. Some people live in places where schools are far away or too expensive live, while others might not be allowed to go to school because of their gender, race, or disability.

When we have access to education, it's something to be grateful for and make the most of it. Education shapes our future and helps us to grow as individuals. It's the key to understanding different perspectives and solving problems.

Freedom of speech and expression. Being able to express ourselves freely is a fundamental right that shapes who we are. And a lot of people don't have this right. Freedom of speech and expression lets us share ideas, stand up for what we believe in, and be our true selves. But in many places, people can't speak freely without fear of punishment, or even death.

They might be censored, jailed, or worse for saying what they think. When we have the freedom to express ourselves, it's something to cherish and use responsibly. It's crucial for a free and fair society. This freedom allows for creativity, innovation, and progress. It helps us challenge old ideas, spark new ones, and build better communities.

Supportive family and friends. The people who love and support us are a huge part of our lives. They celebrate our successes, help us through tough times, and make everyday life better. But it's easy to take these relationships for granted. We get busy and forget to show our appreciation or spend quality time with them.

Strong relationships need care and effort. They're built on trust, communication, and understanding. When we have people who care about us, it's a gift. They help us to feel loved and connected, and part of something bigger than ourselves.

Financial stability. Being financially stable means not having to worry about the basics, like paying for food, housing, and other necessities. It gives us the freedom to make choices about our lives, like what job to take or where to live. But financial stability is not a given for everyone. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to cover their expenses.

Others might face unexpected costs, like medical bills that can quickly become overwhelming. Financial stability gives us peace of mind and allows us to plan for the future. It's something to work toward and value when we have it.

Employment Opportunities. Having a job is more than just a way to make money. It gives us a sense of purpose and identity. It's a place where we can use our skills, contribute to something bigger, and connect with others. But good jobs aren't always easy to find. Many people struggle to find work that is fulfilling and pays well.

Unemployment or underemployment can be stressful and affect our self-esteem. When we have a job that we enjoy and that supports our goals, it's a significant aspect of our lives. It provides structure to our days, a sense of achievement, and the means to support ourselves and our families. Appreciating our employment means recognizing its role not just as a source of income, but as a contributor to our identity and well-being.

Physical mobility. The ability to move freely and without pain is something we might not think much about, but it is crucial. It allows us to go where we want to, when we want. Whether it's walking around the neighborhood, driving to work, or traveling to new places, mobility is key to independence.

For those with physical disabilities or who live in areas without good transportation, limited mobility can be a major life barrier. It can affect everything from your ability to work to your ability to socialize. Being able to move around easily is a part of life that greatly contributes to our sense of freedom and quality of life.

Access to health care. Easy access to health care is essential for keeping us healthy and treating us when we are sick. It's something we might not think about until we need it. In many places, health care is expensive or difficult to access, and this leads to health problems going untreated and causing more serious issues over time.

Good health care is vital for our well-being. It keeps us healthy, helps us to manage ongoing conditions, and provides support when we are unwell. Being able to see a doctor or get medicine easily is something to be thankful for because it plays a big role in our overall quality of life.

Personal safety and security. Feeling safe in our daily lives is something we might not notice until it's gone. Being able to go about your day without fearing for your safety is crucial for a peaceful life in many parts of the world. People live with the constant fear and threat of violence, crime, or conflict.

Not having to worry about personal safety allows us to focus on other parts of our lives. It allows us the privilege to relax, to be ourselves, and enjoy life. Feeling safe and secure is a fundamental need that greatly impacts our mental health and happiness.

And along with physical security is food security. Having enough food to eat and knowing that your next meal is assured is a basic need that is easy to overlook. Food security means not just having access to food, but also having access to nutritious food that meets dietary needs.

In many parts of the world, people struggle with hunger or have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Every day, being able to open up a fridge or a cupboard to find something to eat is a privilege that should never be taken lightly. It's fundamental to our health, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Consistent access to food is crucial for maintaining the strength and focus needed to handle daily tasks and challenges. The natural environment—the beauty and diversity of the natural world—are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of urban life. Yet the environment plays a crucial role in our lives.

It provides the resources we need to survive, like water and air, and contributes to our mental and emotional health. Natural spaces offer a place for recreation and relaxation, helping us to unwind and recharge. However, these environments are under threat from pollution, climate change, and urbanization. The natural world's health directly impacts our own, making its preservation vital for current and future generations.

Technological convenience. The ease and efficiency that technology brings to our daily lives are often unnoticed until we are without it. From smartphones and computers to home appliances, technology saves us a lot of time and effort. It keeps us connected with others, provides endless information at our fingertips, and makes many aspects of life more convenient.

However, it's easy to take this convenience for granted. In many parts of the world, access to modern technology is limited, affecting education, communication, and access to services like banking. The role of technology in improving the quality of our life is significant and definitely deserves recognition.

Moments of peace and leisure. To wrap all of this up, in our fast-paced world, moments of peace and leisure are precious but often undervalued. The ability to take a break, relax, and do things we enjoy is crucial for our mental and emotional health. These moments help us to decompress from the stresses of daily life, recharge our energy, and maintain a sense of joy and fulfillment.

However, we often get so caught up in our responsibilities and routines that we forget to make time for leisure. These quiet moments of enjoyment and relaxation are vital for a balanced and happy life.

And lastly, we do have a bonus for you: being alive right now because, look, statistically speaking, you live in the best period so far. If you think things are bad now, you only have to look at history for a quick reality check. Technology is more advanced. Health care is more advanced. Women have rights. There are more things that you can do now than ever before.

The luxuries of yesterday are commodities today. You can literally book a trip to Antarctica to feed penguins if you want to. Actually, you might not be allowed to feed the penguins so you don't pollute the environment. But, you know, you get the point. You see, life is not what's happening. It's how you react to what is happening. And it is healthy to refresh your perspective on things every once in a while.

We hope you learn something valuable here today. We'll see you back here in the next video. Until then, take care, my friend.