mindful.

More. We need more. Because what we have now is not enough. What we had is already forgotten, and what is yet to come is not here.

Aren’t we depriving ourselves of happiness? One might argue that being grateful for what you already have—and what you’ve had—could make you a happier person. So why is it that we often lack gratitude? The absence of gratitude often comes from the absence of mindfulness.

Take a moment. Think about what you, this tiny being on this vast planet, have already achieved. You have food to eat, a bed to sleep in, friends and family. Perhaps even a partner.

Today, I shared a laugh, a hug, and had a conversation with someone I love. I did something I enjoy and have the opportunity to continue doing what I love. I’m able to educate myself in a field I care about. I woke up to coffee, and now I’m treating myself to a chai latte. I handled the bureaucracy, the numbers, the setbacks, and obstacles. I read poetry and listened to my favorite music.

It’s a mix of this and that. But I wrote all of this down simply by being mindful for a minute. A minute is all it takes to remind yourself of what matters. You don’t need more—you just need to remember. Enjoy life like a freshly made cup of coffee.

And I am grateful. I get to write down everything that brings me joy.

I think of everyone who doesn’t have the privilege to walk through gardens, sleep in peace, hug their loved ones, see art, or hear birds singing. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the greatness within each of these souls.

Take a minute. You’ll notice how much you truly have. How rich you are. How beautiful life is—even if it doesn’t always seem that way.