After my power was restored late September 15th, 2008 (Monday evening), I started to wonder how much is taken for granted. So here is my small list, please feel free to add to the list.
1) Running water. How often do you consider the water you use? Are you careful with it?
2) Hot food. Do you appreciate the meal even though it might not have been exactly what you thought you wanted?
3) Hot showers/baths. How often do you take for granted the water used will be a "comfortable" temperature?
4) Lights. Do you consider the fact when you turn on a switch, the light goes on?
5) High speed Internet. Do you really appreciate not having dial up anymore? After using it again for nearly two days, I certainly appreciate it!
6) Computer time. Even though you are "only accused" of being addicted to your computer, think how you would deal with not having it for an hour, a day or longer.
7) Your health. Do you consider life could be much worse? I mean even when it is bad and you are healthy, you can pull through.
8) Friends and Neighbors. How often do you tell them you care?
9) Your Home. Do you love the house or hate it?
10) Family (including our furry relatives). If today was your last day on the earth or theirs, would you have regrets? Take the time to say "I love you."
If I could have said thank you to the linemen who fixed my electric service, I would have. They risk life and limb to give me something I neither see nor think about until I do not have it. So thank you for the hot shower, the hot meal, the lights to read my children a story and of course my power to blog.
I, for one, am going to try to show more appreciation for what I have. Take time to smell the roses, to say hello to someone on the street, to smile, to love others, to show you care, make the best of what you have, etc. We are here only a finite amount of time, so we should try to make it GREAT!
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Ann Hayden Realtor St. Louis Missouri
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© Ann Hayden, 2008-2009.
I count my blessing every day and sometimes twice, three times a day. Thank you God for watching over me and my family. Please watch over those who are in need.
Patricia Aulson/ Hampton NH Real Estate
Sorry for the challenges that put you in a position to remember these things.
More importantly- Thank You for reminding those of us who weren't so recently placed in such a
position.
Best, -Eric...
I'm so glad to hear your power has been restored......really does make you realize how much you take for granted everday.
Great post. You are right we take a lot of things for granted and we don't realize it until it is taken away from us. Thanks for giving us some fruit for thought for the day.
Ann,
After Hurricane Charlie in Central Florida...we were without power for over a week! The novelty of "camping out" and "cooking out" soon wore off!!! We appreciated our AC soon after that...let me tell you...along with all the "small luxuries" that come with having electricity!
Ann...
Nice post, we do indeed have a lot for which to be grateful!
Ann, it's great that you are taking a challenging experience and turning into something positive!
My family is still without power in Houston and I keep waiting for the phone call saying that they've had enough camping and are headed up to Dallas to stay with us.
Patricia,
You are smart to count your blessings every day!
Eric,
Thank you for stopping by. It is nice to know I helped someone today. ;-)
Ann,
Yes, we do tend to take a lot for granted every single day!
Ann
Pat,
You are welcome. Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my little list.
Rebecca,
I am not a "camping girl". I like hot water and air conditioning way too much!
Richard,
Your posts are always such an inspiration! Thanks for reading mine.
Ann
Lara,
I would have been on the phone before the hurricane arrived!!
Ann
I remember the ice storm we had last year. How thankful we are that we have a word burning storm and a source of heat!
Jennifer,
Yes, I remember the ice storm also. I know what you mean about being thankful for the wood burning stove. It was COLD!
Thanks for stopping by,
Ann
Ann- I am so glad to hear your "creature comforts" are back! It is amazing what we take for granted - and it usually jogs our memory quickly when those little comforts are taken away!
April,
YOU are correct.....we take a lot for granted until it is taken away.
Thanks for stopping by,
Ann